Nurse awarded world record for London Marathon after bid was first denied because she didn't wear dress

Jessica Anderson ran the London Marathon in her scrubs last month, thinking her time of 3:08.22 would solidify a world record for the fastest marathon wearing a nurse's uniform. 

But Anderson told several news outlets that Guinness World Records initially denied her application for the record because her outfit looked too similar to a doctor's uniform, and that the initial record was set by nurses wearing dresses. Officials told her the uniform distinction was necessary, even if outdated.

Following backlash fueled by a social media campaign tabbed #WhatNursesWear, Guinness World Records backpedaled on its initial stance Tuesday and subsequently awarded Anderson the world record. 

The organization's senior vice president, Samantha Fay, issued a statement that read, in part: "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quite clear to Guinness World Records that our guidelines for the fastest marathon wearing a nurse’s uniform were outdated, incorrect and reflected a stereotype we do not in any way wish to perpetuate. ... We have taken the decision to no longer allow fancy dress clothing for this category and will introduce guidelines which reflect the clothes worn by nurses in the UK and around the world."

Anderson initially told Runners World magazine before the updated ruling, "I’m sure Guinness World Records don’t intend to cause offense but it would be nice if they decided to revise their criteria instead of reinforcing old gender stereotypes."

Anderson ran the marathon in the scrubs outfit she wears to work every day at the Royal London Hospital. She narrowly eclipsed the previous record time of 3:08.54.