Turtle "Four" Sets Record For Fastest Turtle On Land In The 5 Metre Sprint
A speedy tortoise named Four has entered the Guinness World Records book after being officially confirmed as the fastest tortoise on land.
The record attempt took place on 21 August 2025 at the Cork Pet & Wildlife Centre in County Cork, Ireland, where Four clocked an impressive speed of 0.28 metres per second (0.92 feet per second).
The challenge involved a straight 5-metre track laid out in a controlled environment. Four, encouraged by his favourite food, strawberries, dashed across the course while official timekeepers measured his speed using precision electronic timing equipment.
On his fastest run, he completed the track in just under 18 seconds, giving him an average speed of 0.28 m/s. This time was verified by a Guinness World Records adjudicator present at the attempt, securing his place in the record books.
An adjudicator oversaw proceedings from a designated witness line.
Tolee, a five-year-old red-footed tortoise, is owned by local reptile enthusiast Martin O’Sullivan. According to Martin, Four has always been unusually active for his species.
Advertisements“He’s always been curious and full of energy,” Martin explained. “Most tortoises wander slowly, but Four loves to chase things. Once he sees food, he moves quicker than you’d ever expect.”
Martin decided to enter Four for a Guinness World Records attempt after friends suggested his speed was extraordinary. Months of preparation followed, with Tolee regularly training by following treats around his enclosure.Advertisements
Guinness World Records sets strict rules for animal speed records to ensure fairness and accuracy:
The course must be exactly 5 metres long on a flat, non-slip surface
The animal may be encouraged with food but not physically pushed or carried
Timing must be recorded with certified electronic devices
Multiple runs are allowed, with the fastest accepted as the official result
Four's achievement has brought international attention to the Cork Pet & Wildlife Centre, where he continues to delight visitors. Staff say he has quickly become a local celebrity, with families flocking to see the record-breaking reptile in action.
Guinness World Records confirmed that certification documents have been issued and that the listing will appear in its online database following standard editorial processing.
Four celebrating victory
Images courtesy of LongeviQuest
