Marathon win adds another string to Alistair's bow

A music student from Liverpool has mixed his love of music and athletics to break a Guinness World Record by running the fastest marathon dressed as a musical instrument.

Wearing a custom-made viola costume, created by Liverpool designer Brian D Hanlon, 21-year-old Alistair Rutherford ran the Birmingham International Marathon  with a time of three hours, 20 minutes and 33 seconds.

His outfit was made from lightweight foam, complete with a striking hat in the shape of the viola’s neck and pegbox.

Alistair in his costume designed by our very own Brian Hanlon
Here's his Mini-me doll created by Kirkby-based Joyce Peacock


Rutherford, who who studies viola at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, began running in Liverpool in 2013, when he joined Mossley Hill Athletic Club. Since then, the "Running Viola" has become is a familiar sight on the Merseyside and Midlands marathon circuits and Rutherford has already broken the world record for the fastest half marathon dressed as a musical instrument.

Support for Rutherford’s challenge was bolstered with his own personalised "mini me" mascot; a knitted doll created by Joyce Peacock from Kirkby. Since February 2015, Joyce has knitted 375 "running dolls" for good causes and currently has more than 50 on order. 

He said: “Running the Birmingham International Marathon wasn’t easy, particularly in my costume. I am planning on resting “the Running Viola” for the moment, unless someone breaks my records.”

At least no one can accuse him of being on the fiddle.


via GIPHY/Classic FM