Hansen is described in the Facebook post as a “longtime Nebraska resident who enjoys growing large pumpkins, gourds and other vegetables as a hobby” and was inspired to vanquish the previous record after seeing another paddler attempt it. “Seems like a unique if not slightly crazy way to celebrate his 60th birthday, which was yesterday,” the post read.
The organization has not yet validated the results, according to the Washington Post, but it confirmed it would beat the current record for “longest journey by pumpkin boat” currently held by Rick Swenson, who traveled 25.5 miles (41.038 km) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 2016.