According to a post on Facebook by the City of Bellevue, Nebraska, Hansen walked into the mayor’s office to ask if a couple of people from City Hall would serve as official witnesses. He needed people other than friends and family to document his ride for his attempt to be recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Those who agreed to go along initially thought that his intention was to float a pumpkin down the river and were taken aback when they realised he intended for the pumpkin to be his actual boat.

Hansen hopped into the pumpkin at the Bellevue Marina on August 27, the day after his birthday, at approximately 07:30, in order to make the trip to Nebraska City in his pumpkin. The witnesses, as well as Hansen’s friends and family, were on the bank to cheer on his incredible journey in the impressively sized vegetable. A few of his supporters travelled alongside Hansen in a boat, in case of any unforeseen mishaps.

Fortunately, it was smooth sailing - or paddling - all the way, apart from the rocks, sandbanks, waves and other boats that Hansen had to navigate. Staying upright in the pumpkin boat was also a challenge, but he managed to maintain his position for the full course.

Underestimating what he had taken on, Hansen initially thought that the unusual river ride would be around six hours. After he surpassed 41km at 14:52, happily breaking the previous record for the longest journey by pumpkin boat, he continued a further 20km before finally arriving at the marina at just after 18:30. His journey spanned 61km and took over 11 hours to complete.

“Congratulations Duane for smashing the world record,” the City of Bellevue, Nebraska, wrote in their social media post about the unusual feat. “We are proud that you started this record-breaking journey in Bellevue, and it's been fun to follow along.”

So how exactly did this 60-year-old come up with the wacky yet ambitious feat to mark a milestone birthday? It turns out that Hansen has grown pumpkins and other gourds for many years. His idea began five years ago when he attended a pumpkin-growing seminar.

His destiny began to take shape when he met a woman at the seminar who held the world record for the longest pumpkin ride at the time. He was instantly inspired to sail in his own pumpkin boat and attempt to beat her record. The next few years were spent growing his perfect-sized pumpkin, which he named the SS Berta.

According to the Guinness World Records, before Hansen, the record holder was Rick Swenson, who sailed the Red River Between Minnesota and North Dakota by pumpkin in 2016. Hansen's application to the Guinness World Records to take over this achievement is in and is currently being reviewed.

My Modern Met