Huddersfield Marathon Band is hoping to snatch back a musical world record next year from German rivals, as they seek to become the fastest marching band to complete the 26 miles 385 yards of a marathon course whilst playing music!

30 second break

The record was originally set by the Huddersfield University Marathon Band, who completed the London Marathon in a remarkable time of 7 hours and 55 minutes in 2011, with a play list of 2 hours worth of music that had to be performed with just a 30 second break between each item.

In the process the band raised in excess of £30,000 for Sense, the UK Deaf Blind Charity and had their achievement recognised as a Guinness World Record.

German record holders

However, in 2012 the 55 musicians of Musikverein Dohrgaul in Germany lowered the record 7 hours 22 minutes and 55 seconds – not surprisingly playing military marches along the way!

Now the Brits want the record back and the 33 strong Huddersfield Marathon Band hopes to break the record at this year’s London Marathon and in the process raise over £60,000 for the charity Sense.

Determined

Organiser Mike Lomas told 4BR: "We are determined to bring the record back to Britain! I’m very excited to be leading another great bunch of people to do such an amazing challenge for such an amazing cause and we have already risen over £12,000 without running a single mile!"

We are determined to bring the record back to Britain! I'm very excited to be leading another great bunch of people to do such an amazing challenge for such an amazing causeMike Lomas

Up and down

He added: "Training has been a bit up and down, but we know that if we are to beat the Germans we will all have to be in tip top condition – and be in tune!

If anyone can help us achieve our goal even in the smallest way it would be greatly appreciated."

Help out and helping hands

If you wish to help, please go to: www.hmb2014.com

If you would like to donate please go to: www.justgiving.com/HMB2014