CHARLESTON - Some 344 people participated in what could be the largest human wheelbarrow race ever, but the potential record-setting stunt wasn't easy.

Organizers had to drag people off the street to get enough participants in their attempt to break a Guinness world record.

Thirty minutes after the race was scheduled to start, co-organizer Lilah Cady and others shouted to people walking downtown to round up the necessary number. It apparently worked.

Ms. Cady said the official tally showed 172 pairs had joined the race, 26 more people than the previous record, which was set in August 2002 at a London park.

Ms. Cady and College of Charleston junior Lane Claghorn, a fellow organizer, have to submit newspaper clippings or television tapes to the Guinness World Records office for approval. The college students also had to have someone well known in the community at the event, so they got Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas.

"We put so much work into this," said a red-faced, sweaty Ms. Claghorn.

"It was so much fun," Ms. Cady said. "It was so hilarious."