Daniel Messinger, an 11-year-old transit enthusiast, set his sights on breaking a Guinness World Record for the fastest time to visit every Chicago “L” station. His determination and careful planning, months of studying routes and past attempts, led him to request this extraordinary challenge as a birthday wish in February.
His parents, Adam and Marina Messinger, were initially surprised by the request. “So, how do you say no to that?” Adam said, though he humorously added that Daniel had overlooked the critical detail of bathroom breaks in his meticulous itinerary. Alongside Daniel, his 10-year-old friend Tamar and her father Yekutiel Aloni joined the team, embarking on a snowy Sunday to visit every “L” station in under nine hours and 15 minutes.
The journey started early at 6:25 a.m. with the first Purple Line train from Linden Station in Wilmette. Their goal? To race against the clock while navigating through the vast CTA system, including the Kennedy Expressway, with Daniel commenting on the unique experience of speeding down the highway median on the Blue Line.
The “L” challenge has long been popular among transit enthusiasts, who often log their times and aim for the prestigious Guinness World Record. The challenge’s origins are somewhat unclear, though transit icon Adham Fisher helped elevate its excitement and allure. For Daniel, the draw to attempt the record came after watching others take on the challenge on YouTube.
Along the way, Daniel encountered several delays, including missing the Yellow Line train at Howard Station and a broken door on the Red Line. A long connection to the Green Line allowed for a much-needed pit stop to warm up with hot chocolate, but despite these setbacks, Daniel remained in high spirits, thrilled to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and stations.
Daniel’s mother, Marina, admitted to being nervous at first, but once she saw how much fun Daniel and his friend were having, her concerns faded. Daniel, who hopes to pursue a career in city planning or engineering, was excited not only about the potential world record but also about the chance to complete his “speedrun” of the “L” system.
Though the result of Daniel’s attempt is still pending, his passion for public transit and his ability to enjoy the journey despite obstacles is a testament to his determination and enthusiasm.
You Might Be Interested In:
