Guinness World Records reversed its decision to deny a nurse a London Marathon record over her clothing choice after many spoke out about the record's sexist criteria, reports The New York Times.
Jessica Anderson, a nurse at Royal London Hospital, sought to become the fastest woman to run the marathon wearing a nurse's uniform. She beat the previous record — set in 2015 — by 32 seconds. However, Guinness World Records did not recognize her feat because she ran in her blue work scrubs.
"They said it had to be a white or blue dress, pinafore apron and white cap or it wouldn't count as a record," Ms. Anderson told NYT May 5.
After facing a large public outcry from nurses and others on social media, Guinness World Records reversed its decision May 7.
"It has become quite clear to Guinness World Records that our guidelines for the fastest marathon wearing a nurse's uniform were outdated, incorrect and reflected a stereotype we do not in any way wish to perpetuate," Samantha Fay, a senior vice president at Guinness, said in a written statement.