RUNNING a marathon is tough enough, but a group of Huddersfield students plan to make it that little bit harder.

The 23 players of Huddersfield University Marching Band have secured places to compete in the London Marathon in April – while playing their instruments.

The idea was first mentioned in a pub, but members liked it so much they decided to run with it.

And the gruelling marathon is one of the key dates in the athletics calendar that raises millions for charity, but Springwood-based organiser Mike Lomas says all the band know it will be a difficult feat.

Many competitors do not make it around the course when they’re running empty-handed – let alone giving their lungs and arms another workout with a tuba or trombone.

Currently they are stockpiling eight hours’ worth of material to keep them marching.

Mike, 19, who is studying music, said: “We’re hoping to raise £50,000 for the deafblind charity Sense. We thought it was suitable because we’re really lucky to be musicians and to have the gifts that allow us to enjoy it.

“We know it will be hard and I’m not sure I’ve heard of anyone doing anything like this. Currently the librarian is trying to get us eight hours of music so we can march constantly, but we’ll see how we do.

“Even playing that long is tiring so we’re having some long rehearsals and toughening up our lips.

“The bass trombone player Kieran Higham had the idea when we were in the pub and I ran with it.

“We’ll be doing some group training in the hills and everyone has their own personal training plan.

“We’re also getting special T-shirts made up so everyone on the course can see who we are.”

Prof Bob Cryan, vice-chancellor of the University of Huddersfield said: “The brass and wind players at the University of Huddersfield are a great bunch of young people.

“They are superb musicians of course, but generous-spirited too and their choice of charity – Sense – is an excellent one.

“They enjoy the gift of music to the full and want to do everything they can to ensure that people with deaf blindness – and their families – can lead equally rewarding lives.

“Playing in a concert must be a bit like a marathon, even when you are seated.

“So what can it be like to pound the streets of London with your instruments?

“But I know they’ll make it round and reach their fundraising goal and they have the full support of all of us at the university.”

You can make a donation by visiting www.justgiving.com/humb or search for the band on Facebook.