Hugs are a universal sign of love, comfort and connection between two people. While most hugs last just a few seconds, some record-breaking embraces have gone on for hours or even days. So what is the longest hug ever recorded?
What is considered a hug?
For record-keeping purposes, a hug is generally defined as an embrace between two people with both arms. The embrace must be continual contact without letting go. Other stipulations may include:
- Both feet must remain on the ground
- No sitting or lying down is allowed
- Outside support like ropes, pillars or walls cannot be used to prolong the hug
The hug should be a display of genuine affection and connection, not just an attempt to set a record. Let’s explore some of the longest hugs verified by Guinness World Records and other reputable sources.
Longest hug – Guinness World Records
According to Guinness World Records, the longest recorded hug lasted 24 hours, 33 minutes and 3 seconds. It was achieved by Elisabeth Sulser and Louie Lagoni in Zurich, Switzerland in February 2020.
To prepare for the endurance challenge, Sulser and Lagoni did weight training and worked on mental focus for several months. For the full 24 hours and 33 minutes of the hug, the pair stood embraced in the town square. They swayed gently in place but did not sit or sleep.
During the record attempt, they wore protective padding under their clothing to avoid painful chafing. They also paused briefly every hour to use the restroom, have a health check and change padding before promptly resuming the hug. One 10 minute lunch break was allowed midway through.
To meet Guinness World Record guidelines, the organizers had two independent timekeepers monitor Sulser and Lagoni continuously. After their incredible, full-day embrace was complete, the pair had officially set the new record for the longest hug.
Rules and Requirements
Guinness World Records has precise requirements for record-setting hugs:
- Both participants’ feet must remain flat on the ground at all times
- No ropes, props or other support can be used
- Sitting, lying down or sleeping is prohibited
- Hands may be changed position during the hug if desired
- Scheduled breaks are permitted for clinical checks and other needs
Verification Process
To verify a world record hug attempt, Guinness World Records requires:
- An independent timekeeper present at all times
- Regular timestamped video evidence
- Witness statements and photographer testimony
- Physical evidence of padding or bandages
These strict requirements ensure no shortcuts are taken during record-setting hugs.
Other Record-Setting Hugs
In addition to Guinness World Records, other organizations also track record-setting hugs. Here are some other notably long embraces:
Longest Televised Hug – 58 hours, 35 minutes
In 2016, TV host Ralf Schmitz hugged sidekick Simon Pearce live on air for 58 hours, 35 minutes. The hug took place over several days during a “Hug Marathon” episode of his popular German show “Take Me Out.”
Longest Bear Hug – 38 hours, 34 minutes
Bear hugs require both arms over and around the other person. In 1977, two participants at a California health institute hugged bear-style for 38 hours, 34 minutes. However, this record attempt was not officially verified by any record-keeping organizations.
Longest Dance/Hug Marathon – 24 hours
Multiple couples have set records for 24+ hour dance marathons where they sway in an embraced hug position. These types of records originated as charity fundraisers in the 1920s and 30s. Modern record-setting pairs have danced and hugged continually for up to 24 hours at venues like the Blackpool Dance Festival.
What Are the Benefits of Long Hugs?
Why attempt to hug for hours or days on end? Besides the novelty of setting a world record, long hugs come with many benefits:
Connection and Bonding
The act of prolonged hugging promotes intimacy, affection and closeness between the pair. As they hold the continual embrace, participants often report feeling deeply connected to their hugging partner.
Reduced Stress
Hugs of 20+ seconds have been shown to decrease stress levels. The longer the hug, the greater the drop in heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol. Extended hugs may bring on relaxation.
Increased Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone associated with social bonding, affection and calmness. Prolonged physical contact via hugging causes oxytocin levels to rise in the brain over time.
Natural Pain Relief
Through stimulating oxytocin as well as other neural pathways, long hugs may temporarily lessen pain sensitivity according to early research.
Emotional Support
A long hug can make someone feel cared for and supported emotionally during difficult times. The ongoing embrace conveys comfort and sympathy.
Longest Romantic Hug
While many record-setting hugs are not romantic in nature, some long-hugging pairs have been couples in love. What is the longest romantic hug on record?
In December 2010, Thailand couple Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat broke the record for longest romantic hug by embracing for 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds. The hug was both joyful and emotional for the super-smitten pair.
“We fought sometimes during the hug,” Ekkachai told reporters. “But we still love each other.” The couple persevered despite sore legs, aching arms and lack of sleep. When the record attempt succeeded, they called it the best moment of their lives.
Rules and Requirements
To set the romantic hugging record, Guinness World Records states:
- A couple must be officially in a romantic relationship
- Traditional rules apply such as no outside support
- Only brief separate breaks are permitted as scheduled
- A loving embrace position must be maintained
Longest Virtual Hug
Modern technology brings opportunities for remote hugs when two people can’t physically be together. While not a Guinness record category yet, apps are now enabling people to exchange virtual hugs through devices. Sensors, vibration and pressure replicating a real embrace.
So far there are no official record durations for virtual hugs. But creative technologies may someday allow virtual hugging contests between remote participants. For now, virtual hugs are bringing comfort and connection to separated loved ones.
Facts About Hugging
As we explore extra-long hugs, here are some interesting facts about the science, history and health benefits of hugging in general:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily hug recommendation | Psychologists recommend 4 hugs per day for survival, 8 for maintenance and 12 for growth. |
| Health benefits | Frequent hugging may lower risk of heart disease, flu, depression and other ailments. |
| Hugging and longevity | One study found people who engage in frequent hugging tend to live longer. |
| Hugging and relationships | Partners who hug frequently report greater relationship satisfaction. |
| Morning hugs | 71% of people report feeling happier after receiving a hug first thing in the morning. |
| Hugs and self-esteem | Multiple studies link frequent hugging to higher self-esteem. |
| Most common hug duration | The average hug lasts only 1-2 seconds long. |
| World’s biggest hug fest | Mexico City holds the record for most people hugging at once with 250,000 participants. |
Key Facts About Longest Hug
Let’s review some of the main facts on the longest hug ever recorded:
- The longest verified hug lasted 24 hours, 33 minutes and 3 seconds.
- It was achieved by Elizabeth Sulser and Louie Lagoni in 2020.
- The pair stood and swayed in a town square in Zurich, Switzerland.
- Guinness World Records authenticated the record with video proof and witnesses.
- Other couples have unofficially hugged for over 38 hours straight.
- TV hosts, dance partners and couples have also set hug records.
- Long hugs release oxytocin, relieve pain and reduce stress.
Famous Long Hugs in History
Throughout modern history, there have been some famously long hugs between prominent figures:
John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Bed-In” Honeymoon
In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged a week-long “bed-in” honeymoon in Amsterdam to promote world peace through prolonged hugging. The famous couple invited press into their hotel room and conduct interviews while embracing in bed.
World Leaders’ “Bro Hugs”
Certain world leaders have become known for their extended “bro hugs” during diplomatic meetings. President Obama was photographed hugging Prime Minister Modi of India for an extended period during his 2015 visit.
Richard Nixon’s Awkward Hugs
President Nixon was sometimes caught on camera hugging associates, diplomats and family members for uncomfortably long periods of time. One hug with his daughter Julie at a state event lasted over a minute on camera.
Celebrity Bear Hugs
Exuberant bear hugs are a common sight among ecstatic celebrities at awards shows and events. Iconic long bear hugs include Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet at the Oscars, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez backstage and Beyonce hugging Michelle Obama at a school event.
Longest Hug World Records Over Time
The official Guinness World Record for longest hug has increased substantially over the decades as determined pairs push human endurance limits. Here is the progression of the record:
| Year | Record Duration | Participants | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 28 hours, 59 minutes | Two students | California, USA |
| 2010 | 32 hours, 7 minutes | Sri Lankan couple | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| 2013 | 33 hours, 2 minutes | Thai couple | Pattaya, Thailand |
| 2017 | 41 hours, 32 minutes | Indian couple | New Delhi, India |
| 2020 | 24 hours, 33 minutes | Swiss couple | Zurich, Switzerland |
This table illustrates how couples have added hours and hours to the world’s longest hug over recent decades. Each new record required intense physical and mental stamina.
Conclusion
While most hugs last just seconds, record-setters have pushed the longest hug to over a full day by drawing on extreme determination. Motivations range from raising charity funds to promoting world peace to simply proving one’s endurance limits.
Beyond making history, prolonged hugging offers meaningful benefits for bonding, health and emotional support. Even non-record hugs longer than 20 seconds can impact heart rates, hormones and pain sensitivity.
As human abilities advance and new technologies emerge, the world’s longest hug record will likely continue rising over time. But for most, hugs in the 10-20 second range give a satisfying dose of connection, care and affection from our loved ones.