WASHINGTON — TODAY meteorologist Al Roker is a hoping a weather-related
world
record is in his neck of the woods.
Roker is aiming to set a world record for the longest uninterrupted live
weather report broadcast with a 34-hour marathon. Roker began at 10 p.m.
Wednesday and will continue non-stop until just after 8 a.m. Friday.
“I’m not tired, I’m really not,” said a slightly-hoarse Roker Thursday morning
— more than nine hours into his project.
Roker has to beat the current record or 24 hours. Also, Norwegian weather
broadcaster Eli Kari Gjengedal did a 33-hour broadcast, but it is not yet an
official record, TODAY reports.
The effort — known as “Rokerthon” — is for a good cause, too. Roker is
asking his supporters to contribute to his Crowdwise campaign, which benefits
the United States Service Organizations, TODAY reports.
To prepare for the feat, Roker got as much sleep as he could. During the
marathon weather broadcast, he says he will drink green tea and water and eat
a combination of fats and proteins. Also, working out on a stationary bike
will help him stay active.
“Staying active is key. Getting natural light during the day will also be very
important, so I suggest outdoor shots as much as possible,” NBC Universal’s
Dr. Tanya Benenson said to TODAY. She has
consulted with Roker about the
event.
Through the endeavor, Roker gets five minutes of break time every hour, and he
can choose to bank them to take an extended rest.
Watch the live stream of Roker on the TODAY
website.
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