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Capt Barry Stoddart, RAPTC

Guinness Book of Records World Record Attempt - Fastest Half Marathon Carrying 40lb pack

DISTANCE runner Capt Barry Stoddart (RAPTC) fought through the pain barrier to set a new world record at this year’s Fleet Half Marathon.

The officer decided to tackle the gruelling course while carrying a 40lb Bergen and completed his challenge in a time of 1hr 44min 53sec.

Stoddart was running in memory of his friend Sgt Jonno Johnson (2 Yorks), who was killed in Afghanistan in December 2007, and his effort raised more than £4,000 for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.  APTC colleagues WO2 Jimmy McCallion and Sgt Simon Gowing offered their support by running alongside the record-breaker, a gesture that was greatly appreciated.

“If it had not been for Jimmy and Simon pushing me on at the ten-mile point I don’t think I would have made it,” Stoddart said.

“It was really emotional at the end and it was a fantastic event.”

barry stoddart The super-fit officer added that he chose to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity because of the support Sgt Johnson’s family received at the time of his death.

Lt Col Danny Bryan, who is co-ordinating the RAPTC’s 150th anniversary celebrations this year, said he was immensely proud of Stoddart’s achievements.

He explained: “This is a landmark year for the RAPTC and what better way to kick things off than one of our guys setting a world record?”

Donations can still be made at http://www.justgiving.be/Fastesthalfmarathoncarrying40lb