Meet Dennis Yarwood; a London Marathon tuba-playing Guinness World Record holder – and sometimes a Rubik’s Cube-wearing Great Manchester Run participant. By day Dennis is a Sales Support Executive at max20. Let’s hear more about his intrepid running journey…
How did you start running?
I was a sickly child with asthma. I wasn’t stopped from physical activity by my parents, but they used to say be careful. At senior school I joined the Cross Country Running Team – I ran, wasn’t the best but earned my school colours which I was proud of.
In the 80’s when marathons became the thing to do, I thought I can do that. I was a bit overweight and my teachers said I wouldn’t do it, but two weeks short of my 18th birthday I ran and finished the Piccadilly Manchester Marathon. I had actually not been entirely accurate about my age as you were supposed to be 18! I did a few more marathons, but then in my early 20’s life got in the way. I met my future wife, we married and four children later we were a bit busy!
When did you start again?
In 2003 I ran the Manchester 10k and for a few years the Comic Relief runs. But at 47, I was 18.5 stone and thought something had to change. I went to the gym for six months, did a bit of swimming and started running again with a plan to do the Manchester Marathon the following April and I’ve not stopped since! I dropped four stone and running has become a way of life.
Would you say you’re now obsessed?
Definitely, I’ve recently completed my 420th parkrun. My first 70 were at Worsley Woods, not far from where I live. I’m a parkrun Tourist – as long as I have my barcode I can show up to any parkrun in the world, run and have my results recorded. parkrun also have the ‘Nelson Challenge’, this is where you complete parkruns with the event numbers 111, 222, 333, 444 and so on. My 222nd was at Sale Water Park and I’ve run at 93 different venues across the UK.
How did you become involved in a World Record breaking attempt?
Back in 2011 the Huddersfield Marathon Band (UK) had set the record for the fastest marathon by a marching band. But later that year their record was broken by a German marching band.
It was early 2014 and the London Marathon was looming. I play the tuba and have been involved with Scouting for about 50 years, 23 of those in charge of a Scout band. It was one of those pub conversations – could we look to reclaim the world record? The answer was yes and on 13th April 2014, 30 of us set off playing a variety of instruments. Six hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds later, together with 21 other members of the band, we crossed the finish line. Huddersfield Marathon Band (UK) did indeed reclaim the crown and we had our attempt verified onsite by Guinness World Records. It was an amazing way to undertake the London Marathon!
How did you end up wearing a Rubik’s Cube for a race?
I always look to do something differently for the Great Manchester Run 10k races, anything from Spiderman to being an official Pacer to marching in a band. I was looking for something for the 2023 Great Manchester Run and a friend suggested a Rubik’s Cube outfit he wanted to get rid of. It wasn’t the easiest of runs. It was very hot as the only way for the heat from my body to escape was via my neck – so slightly uncomfortable!
We were fundraising for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital so with the cube being a toy I thought there was a great synergy and via sponsorship, I raised much needed funds for the hospital who do amazing work with kids.
Are you a member of a running club?
I’m a member of Spectrum Striders based in Birchwood, Warrington and the Mile Shy Club in Trafford which is a beginners-based group with 11 running/walking groups in Trafford. I also run with Dragon Running Club based in Sale.
Are you a qualified Run Leader?
Yes, with three years under my belt via the Mile Shy Club who sponsored me to become a Run Leader.
How many kilometres do you run a month?
About 200kms which is over 100 miles. These are across parkruns, the Mile Shy Club, Sale Dragons and I’m also doing a half marathon each month. I’m a regular Pacer at runs too.
What do your family think of your exploits?
It has to be said that Mrs Yarwood is supportive to an extent! We met via scouting as Sally is also involved and has been an Akela for 32 years. We’ve been together for 35 years, 28 of those married. We have four fantastic kids, Emily 25, William 20, Melody 17 and Matilda 12. Emily is a sports journalist and works for Ultrarunner Magazine. We recently did the Snowdon24 together which is a 24-hour endurance race on Mount Snowdon in Wales – so sharing our running experiences is fantastic to do and it was great to be a part of the feature Emily wrote about the race.
What are your goals for 2024?
I’m keen to undertake the Ultra GB Grand Slam. They’re a collection of supported 50 mile, 100 mile and 215 mile events across England, Scotland and Wales. I’ll be doing five of the 50 mile races with the Liverpool to Manchester race being one of them.