South African accordionist Christiaan Ras (Pretoria) is officially preparing for his second attempt at the Guinness World Record for the longest accordion marathon. The monumental 100-hour non-stop performance is scheduled to begin on December 28th, 2026 at the scenic Pinedew Guesthouse & Venue in Kameeldrift East, Pretoria, South Africa.

Ras took the global accordion community by storm during his first official attempt in December 2025. In a grueling display of physical and mental stamina, he played continuously for 72 hours and 40 minutes. While the performance narrowly missed the absolute world record, it was officially recognized as the longest duration ever achieved in a first-ever attempt globally.

The current world record holder is Christelle De Franceschi (France) who successfully challenged Robert Goter (Slovenia) earlier this year, two prominent names in the demanding world of long-duration accordion playing.

In May 2026, Robert Goter played for 83 hours and 1 minute, setting a new reported benchmark for the longest accordion-playing marathon. Just months later, in September, Christelle De Franceschi made headlines again after a reported performance of 86 hours, 55 minutes and 57 seconds in Tulle, France. Her latest achievement has been widely reported in accordion news and French media. Guinness World Records’ public listing may not yet reflect every recent development.

These performances demonstrate the extraordinary stamina, preparation, concentration and musical discipline required to compete at the highest level of accordion marathon playing.

For Christiaan Ras, the upcoming attempt represents an opportunity to return to the international spotlight and pursue an ambitious goal on home soil.

Ras previously played for 72 hours and 40 minutes during his December 2025 attempt. Supporters will have the opportunity to follow his journey and encourage him throughout the challenge. A livestream is also planned to help audiences around the world follow the event.

For Ras, the challenge is about more than the number of hours spent playing. It is an opportunity to showcase his dedication to the instrument, promote South African accordion music and demonstrate what sustained commitment to a musical ambition can achieve.

The challenge is particularly compelling because accordion marathons demand more than technical ability. Players must maintain concentration, deliver recognisable musical performances and manage fatigue over several days, while complying with the applicable record rules and evidence requirements.

Ras’s December attempt will therefore be watched with interest by accordion enthusiasts and supporters eager to see how his preparation translates into performance.

With the date approaching, Ras is inviting media outlets, radio stations and music publications to share his story and follow the preparations for the event.

The attempt offers an opportunity to bring international attention to South African musicians and the enduring appeal of the accordion.

Whether measured in hours, musical endurance or the determination to keep pursuing a dream, the accordion marathon remains a remarkable test of human perseverance.

The world will be watching to see how far South Africa’s challenger can go.