'The Running Man' - Could You Do It?

Running is a popular pass time, from lunchtime jogging to the occasional 10k entrance.

Those with the bug even manage a marathon once in a while. However, things are a little different for Royal Air Force Corporal Jon Ward.

The 32-year-old completed his task of 100 marathons in celebration of RAF100 back in April, but he didn't finish there.

Since the spring, Jon has not stopped – literally. He said:

“In all honesty, I’m addicted to running. I had already booked a number of events before I had even finished my 100 challenge.”

Jon’s ‘number of events’ post his 100 challenge included the city marathons of Paris, London Hamburg and Copenhagen.

The committed runner has even managed to break the sub three-hour mark. What makes this landmark even more amazing is the fact it was achieved one week after completing the London Marathon.

His London time of 3:09:29 was surpassed just seven days later when he posted a time of 2:58:42 in the German city of Hamburg.

Many top level sportsmen and women in the Armed Forces hold ‘elite’ status. This allows them time away from their regular workplace to compete in events, not for Jon.

"All my races are done in my own time, whether that be on the weekends or using my own annual leave."

Jon manages to pack a lot into his weekends and annual leave. Not content with just running the Edinburgh marathon he completed the 5km and 10km races on Saturday. Unbelievably he then took part in the half marathon on Sunday.

This would have been enough for the average person, but the RAF Logistics Movements Corporal had a mad dash to make the start of the full marathon - immediately after completing the half.

Jon just about made the start line for the 26-mile event, dressed as an elephant.

"I had to run from the half finish point to a pick up place one mile away. A Lamborghini then took me back up to the start point. By the time I’d got into the elephant suit I had moments to spare to make the start line."

There is a price to Jon’s running, both financially and personally.

"To achieve my 100 marathon challenge, when you take into account race entry fees, transport, accommodation and equipment (trainers), I spent over five figures."

With all this running it’s no surprise that he doesn’t need to specifically train, but Jon also enjoys working out in the gym. Commitment to fitness at the highest level is always in the fore of his mind.

"I know I could be running championship times for marathons if I was to purely concentrate on running, however I like having the balance of being a very good runner but also being able to lift in the gym."

"People always ask how I managed to keep a muscular physique when I do so much long distance, basically it’s down to my training."

Running is something he simply loves doing and this weekend will be no different. While Friday signifies the start of two days rest for most, Jon will be embarking on the Ultra Great Britain race across Scotland.

Crossing the country from West to East in four days at a total of 212 miles.

How does Jon feel as this immense test of endurance creeps closer?

“My main goal is just to successfully completed the race, the longest distance I have ran in one go is 50 miles. This race will be four and a half times that distance"

"I’m both excited and anxious about the race but hopefully successful completion will demonstrate my versatility as a runner.”

Jon runs under the backdrop of raising funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and after every event, he enjoys a can of Irn-Bru in homage to his adopted home of Lossiemouth.

However, with such a busy life he still manages to squeeze in some rest time between working and running.

“I do have a social life and I enjoy a few beers now and then.”