BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University junior distance runner James Jasperson will be attempting to set his second world record while running in full firefighter gear.
 
Jasperson will take a break from final exams attempting to set the record on Tuesday, June 11 at 5 pm on the track adjacent to the Wade King Recreation Center on the WWU campus.
 
Jasperson (Lacey, WA/North Thurston) will be aiming to set the record running the fastest mile in firefighting gear with an SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus). He will be attempting to break the current record is 9:40 set in 2013 while wearing approximately 65 pounds worth of gear including firefighter structural gear and steel-toed boots. Jasperson set the world record running a mile in 5:51.4 in just firefighter structural gear (no air pack or breathing mask).
 
While Jasperson has the goal in mind of setting a second world record, one of his main reasons for this run is to support a non-profit called Four Season Firefighters. The organization helps firefighters, police officers and veterans who have had their lives permanently altered because of the sacrifices they've made while serving the country and communities.
 
"I am excited to go for the record, but even more so to raise awareness this wonderful non-profit," said Jasperson. "I hope to get a lot of teammates, friends and campus members out there to support me."
 
Jasperson is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology with an expected graduation in spring 2020. In addition to competing for the WWU cross country and track & field team, Jasperson is a paid volunteer firefighter with the South Whatcom Fire Authority.
 
On the track, Jasperson has been a three-year letterwinner for the Vikings and will be a senior during the upcoming cross country season. He placed 8^th in the 1500m at the 2019 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships and participated in the 2018 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He recently set a personal-best time of 3:51.96 in the 1500m at the Portland Track Festival, the 5^th-best time in WWU history since he was still competing during the academic year.
 
He is hoping to raise $1000 for Four Season Firefighters. For more information about the record or how to donate, you can contact Jasperson via email at jasperj4@wwu.edu.