U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — Cadets and personnel at the U.S. Air Force Academy officially broke the Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously performing push-ups for one full minute during an academy-wide challenge held at 11:57 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2.

With 3,703 participants completing the synchronized exercise, the U.S. Air Force Academy eclipsed the previous world record of 3,068 participants held by the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

The record-breaking challenge took place less than 24 hours before the Air Force Falcons host the Navy Midshipmen in their annual service rivalry clash on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Falcon Stadium.

"At the Academy, our mission is to develop leaders and warfighters ready to fight, win, and lead in service to our nation," said Brig. Gen. Brandon J. Tellez, Academy commandant of cadets. "This world record attempt is about more than earning a place in the record books. It reflects the discipline, grit, and shared purpose we work to build every day in the Cadet Wing. Navy set a formidable benchmark, and our cadets answered the challenge. As we head into Saturday's game, this effort serves as another reminder of what happens when disciplined teams unite behind a common objective.”

Participants were required to maintain repeated, full-range push-ups—descending to a 90-degree elbow bend and locking out at the top of each repetition—over sixty consecutive seconds, adhering strictly to official Guinness World Record regulations.

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The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing is scheduled to rally around a bonfire in the Cadet Area on Friday, Oct. 2, ahead of Saturday’s football game against the U.S. Naval Academy at Falcon Stadium.

Closed to the public, this annual school spirit event leads up to Saturday’s rivalry game against Navy for the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. The gathering will feature participation from senior Academy leadership, musical performances by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, and food trucks for the cadets.

In previous years, the celebratory bonfire was visible as far away as Interstate 25. Academy firefighters and emergency response vehicles will be present on site throughout the duration of the event as a standard safety precaution.

Kickoff for the Air Force versus Navy game is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Falcon Stadium. Please see the Air Force Athletics website (goairforcefalcons.com) for more information about the game, including the B-21 Air Power legacy uniforms.

Community members and area motorists should also anticipate increased military flying activity and aircraft noise over the Academy and Colorado Springs communities throughout the week leading up to the game.

For questions or additional information, please contact U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications at (719) 333-7731, or by email at USAFA.media@us.af.mil.