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ATTLEBOROAfter a 100-mile relay dubbed the "Journey of 100 miles," in which 100 high school students each ran a one-mile leg on the AHS track, the high school has established a world record time of 11 hours, 16 minutes, 4.2 seconds for the distance.

The race began at 8 a.m. and lasted until shortly before 7:30 p.m.

Fifty boys and 50 girls took to the track on Saturday, representing members of the track team as well as the baseball, soccer, softball and tennis teams in a schoolwide effort to establish the world record.

About 150 students participated, some as alternate runners for classmates who could not participate, AHS girls spring track coach Peter LaCasse said afterward.

"Most of the kids were here the whole day," he said. "Some of the kids started arriving at 7:30 (a.m.). Some of the kids started setting up at 7. It was a 12-hour day for most of the kids."

In addition to cheers from teammates and spectators, face-painting and well-timed techno music helped to keep spirits high.

The idea for the 100-mile relay came from Martin Tighe, the dean of students at AHS and coach of the middle distance team, based on a "100 Times a Mile" event in his native Manchester, England. A senior at AHS suggested the school try to establish a world record during the relay.

"We didn't just want this to be about running," Tighe said. "We wanted to have a sense of community which brings people together."

With that in mind, community relay teams, including teachers, policemen, firemen, middle school students, and even Mayor Kevin Dumas ran their own relays on Saturday in support of the high school.

"I graduated from Attleboro High in 1994, so it's been awhile since I've run a mile under the clock," Dumas said after his one-mile leg. "But it was all for a great cause."

AHS also gained the support of World Records for Schools, a volunteer organization that encourages students to work together to achieve unique feats that promote the use of cooperation, problem-solving and other valuable life skills.

Tighe said next year he'd like to invite North Attleboro High School or Bishop Feehan High School, and see how AHS fares against the other teams.

"We'd like this to become an annual event," Tighe said. "Hopefully other schools will take this as a challenge."

Team Captain Suragi Patel, a senior, said Saturday's record was a group effort that should motivate other schools to try and one-up AHS. "I think this is a good way for the team, the community and the middle schoolers to come together and play a big part (in setting this record), because it's not an easy thing to do," Patel said. "Now other schools have something to work towards."

For now, though, AHS will enjoy its bragging rights.

"Everyone wants to be part of breaking a world record," said senior Joanna Silva, captain of the winter track team. "Attleboro High has a world record now. What do other schools have?"

In addition to a world record, Saturday's relay also included a marriage proposal.

As community runner and AHS graduate Nancy Hertzberg crossed the finish line, boyfriend James Hawkins dropped to his knees and proposed on the track they met at 10 years ago.

Hertzberg said 'yes,' trading off a baton for an engagement ring.

LAUREN CARTER can be reached at lauren-carter@hotmail.com.