WASHINGTON (AP) – Michelle Obama is now a world record holder.

The first lady announced in an email Monday that her October bid to break the record for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period succeeded. Mrs. Obama says 300,265 people participated, shattering the old record.

In order to achieve her goal, Mrs. Obama led about 400 elementary and middle-school students from Washington in jumping jacks on the South Lawn of the White House. Other jumping jacks events were held around the world on Oct. 11.

The event was a part of the first lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to promote physical fitness and healthy eating for children.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.