A Moray airman is completing an impressive fitness challenge in order to mark the 100th anniversary of the RAF.
Corporal Jon Ward is running 100 marathons within the space of two years, with the final one falling on the centenary of the service next spring.
He has already completed 62 of the gruelling 26-mile races, and is preparing to tick off a further 11 this month alone.
Cpl Ward noted that, given the need for fitness among his RAF Lossiemouth colleagues, it is not unusual for them to embark on marathons as a way of testing their capabilities.
But the dedicated logistic mover said he wanted to do something special to mark the RAF’s big occasion.
His final lap will take place on April 1 next year, when the air force will turn 100.
In his daily life, the 31-year-old is responsible for getting the right equipment to the right people on time.
His work means arranging for Typhoon parts to be sent to personnel taking part in operations abroad, or receiving equipment back at RAF Lossiemouth from overseas exercises.
Cpl Ward is about to run a staggering 11 marathons in as many days – the most he will run consecutively as part of his challenge.
He will tackle 10 of those marathons as part of the Great Barrow Challenge, a yearly festival which takes place in Suffolk.
But, because the serviceman has a spare day after the 10th marathon, he decided to run another one then.
Cpl Ward said: “I’m on 62 marathons now, so I’m on target to reach my 100th on the intended date next year.
“I’ve already run seven marathons on consecutive days, so I have some idea what to expect and I think I’ll cope well.”
Cpl Ward has been part of the RAF for seven years, and has toured the Falklands and Cyprus in that time.
He has improved his health while with the forces by using the free gyms on offer and taking part in “adventure” courses made available to military personnel.
His passion for running took hold after he completed the London marathon in 2007, at the age of 22.
He said: “I can’t quite explain the feeling that you get when you finally cross the finish line.
“I think people go two ways after doing a marathon; they either vow never to do one again or they get the running bug and want to sign up for another.”
He added: “It’s important to commemorate the 100th anniversary because it is a massive landmark for the RAF.
“We need to show how important the RAF is, that the force is still going strong and is set to remain at the forefront of the UK’s air power for years to come.
“The anniversary will be a historic event and hopefully I’ll make a little history myself.”
After notching up his final run, Cpl Ward will be inducted into the 100 Marathon Club, a society exclusive to people who have reached that towering tally.
He is raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund during his 100 marathon challenge and donations can be pledged at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jon-Wardraf100challenge
