London Marathon runner attempts world record in tractor costume

© Ben Hardy

Hobby runner and NHS worker Ben Hardy is set to try to break a world record at the London Marathon later this month, as he plans to complete the 26-mile race wearing a full tractor costume.

He is running for charity Tommys, which supports families affected by miscarriage and premature births, and will be completing the race alongside colleague Ryan Willday, whose family has received support from the charity.

The pair have so far each collected around £2,000 for the fundraiser.

See also: Young farmer honoured in UK-spanning tractor relay

The Guinness World Record for completing the London Marathon in a tractor costume is held by a runner with a time of 4 hours 50 minutes.

“I completed the marathon last year” said Ben, “Just after I finished I was looking at what records are out there. I finished in four and a half hours last year, so I thought maybe I will be able to do this and beat the record!”

“I’m hoping to complete it in four hours and 45 minutes,” said Ben.

The costume, which has been sponsored by Farmers Weekly, Agco and Chandlers Farming Equipment, has been designed to look like a Fendt tractor.

Ben said: “I’ve been training in a weighted vest to prepare for the weight of the costume.

“I’ve been running with 8kg, but the tractor actually weighs less than that. It’s about 5kg.”

Due to the size of the costume, the biggest challenge, Ben says, is going to be trying to hold on to it while running, and he hopes the weather remains favourable on the day to stop the tractor from catching the wind. 

To donate to Ben’s fundraiser, visit his Just Giving page.