THE commanding officer of 2443 Okehampton Air Training Corp is running this year’s London Marathon — after losing a bet with the squadron’s cadets.

Flt Lt Andy Oliver promised to his cadets that should they finish in the top ten of the 2015 Plymouth and Cornwall wing sports competition he would run the 2016 London Marathon.

Perhaps rather predictably, the added motivation spurred them on to win the competition for the very first time.

Andy will now run the marathon to raise money for the Royal British Legion. He has been training hard in preparation for the marathon on April 24, running along the Granite Way to help get ready. As part of his training, he will run in the Silverstone Half Marathon on March 13.

Flt Lt Oliver said: ‘We’ve had some cracking results in both wing and regional competition so it’s been a great year sporting wise for the squadron. In past years we’ve finished outside the top ten so I wanted to give them extra incentive and now I’ve got to live up to my promise!

‘I knew I wouldn’t get in through the lottery ballot so I looked at charity places and due to our links with the Royal British Legion, it was meant to be. The organisation does great work to support those who vitally need help, having given so much in the service of their country.

‘I’ve never run a marathon before. When I joined the police in 1988 I had to be relatively fit to get in but I’ve never been known for my fitness.

‘My old nickname used to be Many Bellies. It’s only in the last five years or so I’ve gotten my fitness to a reasonable level. Training is going well and I’m hoping to run the Silverstone Half Marathon, which if I do will show to myself I’m on track.’

Andy needs to raise £1,800 for the Royal British Legion — visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewOliver2443ATC