A SHRIVENHAM-based soldier is attempting to break a world record, becoming the fastest man ever to run a half marathon in a bomb suit.

Captain Mark Gibbs, a trainee Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) from Shrivenham’s Defence Academy, will be attempting to achieve the feat in the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 4 March.

While he will be the man tasked with completing the 13.1-mile course in the 55lb suit – with an accompanying 10lb helmet ensuring his neck muscles will not be spared the strain – he will also be backed by a dozen fellow officers from HIS 20-month ATO course.

Mark said: “This is not just about me, this is a team effort, because without them the attempt would not be possible.”

Among the other members of the team is Lieutenant Matt Walker, who said: “The challenge has really thrown down the gauntlet for us all.

“We are all runners in one way or another but we have had to change our running techniques in order to meet the needs of the task, it’s been quite an eye opening experience.”

Training for the challenge has already begun in earnest, with the team coming together up to three times a week to practise. Adjusting to the difficulties of running in the heavy outfit has meant they are working to slowly build their pace and distance.

And they believe that one record may already be in the bag, with their training encompassing what is, pending formal verification, expected to be the fastest mile in a bomb suit.

All 13 officers are working towards completing their bomb disposal training, after which they will join one of the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, includING 11 EOD Regiment, who provide the UK’s domestic bomb disposal capability.

Training towards the half marathon has given the team a deeper understanding of what it means to wear the bomb suit – comprised of an inner trouser layer, an outer trouser layer and inner and outer jackets.

They have also become accustomed to working as a team while wearing the suit, and started to appreciate the dangers faced by those who work in bomb disposal.

In addition to attempting to break the Guinness World Record, the team have also elected to raise funds for the Felix Fund Charity. It is a charity close to their hearts, as it works to support the bomb disposal and search community.

The Felix Fund helps bomb disposal experts on both mental and physical health issues, and aims to reduce the stress which is inherent in carrying out such high-risk work.

In order to support the charity’s work the team are hoping to raise £2,500 as part of their record-breaking attempts, and have already seen nearly £700 of donations flood in.

To support the team’s efforts to raise money for the Felix Fund, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/58-ato