RAF 100: Marathon Mad Airman Runs Incredible 100 Marathons

Pictures: RAF Benevolent Fund

RAF marathon man Corporal Jon Ward completed his 100th official marathon in Gravesend, Kent, yesterday to mark RAF 100. 

Cpl Jon Ward (32) embarked on the inspirational effort to support the RAF Benevolent Fund.

He said: “When people hear about my challenge, they assume that it’s not tough for me, that it’s easy.

"But what they don’t see is how many hours of my life I’ve dedicated and how I put everything into every single race. They don’t see both the personal and the financial sacrifices I’ve made.

“And now it’s done, all I really want to do is enjoy a good old pint with my dad!”

Jon was cheered on at the finish line by his Mum, Dad and friends who waited with an RAF 100 cake, champagne and an Irn Bru (Jon’s post-race ritual since he moved to Scotland).

Since his challenge began, Jon, who is based at RAF Lossiemouth, has gone through seven pairs of trainers, spent more than 374 hours running races in 18 different countries and shaved more than two hours off his finish time.

Jon ran his first marathon in London in 2007, completing it in four hours 56 minutes but since then he’s achieved a personal best of two hours 59 minutes.

It was not until 2016 when Jon had run 10 marathons, that he set his sights on a challenge far greater; to join the exclusive 100 marathon club.

To pay homage to his career in the RAF, his aim was to complete 100 official marathons with his last falling on the 1 April, 100 years after the RAF was formed.

Jon has juggled his century challenge around a busy schedule as a Logistics Mover - running 53 races in 2017 alone.

He said: “Now it’s all done there is an element of relief."

"I set myself this amazing, but let’s face it, crazy challenge and now it’s come to an end I feel a great sense of pride.

“Anybody who knows me knows that I’m a glutton for punishment, so I’ve already signed up for Paris and the Edinburgh marathon.

"Not to mention the 212-mile ultra marathon as well, I think I’ve got plenty in the pipeline to keep me occupied.

“And the icing on the cake was when I found out I will be representing the Royal Air Force at the inter-services championship on 22 April at this year’s London marathon.

"I could never have imagined I would get to wear the RAF vest when this whole journey started so I am thrilled.”

Since 2016, the RAF Benevolent Fund has spent more than £500,000 at RAF Lossiemouth supporting personnel like Jon with a range of issues, from individual grants, to relationship counselling.

John Trampleasure, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are so delighted to hear Jon has completed his incredible challenge of running 100 marathons to mark the RAF’s centenary.

"He has shown great determination, commitment and boundless energy and we are so proud that he chose to support us throughout.

"I’d like to thank him on behalf of everyone at the RAF Benevolent Fund.”