They’re normally running for election.

But this Sunday five Swindon Borough councillors will be pounding the streets for fun as they take part in the Swindon Half Marathon.

And while most British politicians are obsessed with who comes first past the post, some are saying they are not competing against their political rivals - although others are pretty keen to be first among equals on Sunday.

There is a political spread of councillors taking part; Liberal Democrat group leader Coun Stan Pajak is running, Conservative councillor for Lydiard and Freshbrook Tim Swinyard represents his party and there are three Labour councillors, Nadine Watts from Old Town, Emma Bushell of Walcot and Park North and Swindon’s Mayor Junab Ali will be at the start line ready to run 13 miles.

Coun Ali has already run the distance as part of his training. He said: “I did it last Sunday. I’m raising money for my three mayoral charities, TWIGS, the Harbour Project and Swindon 105.5, and I didn’t want potential sponsors thinking I wasn’t going to do it.

“It took me just over three hours, so if I can get under the three hour mark, then I’ll be really happy, This is absolutely my first time doing one of these, and it’s not been easy fitting the training in with all my mayoral duties and my business..”

Mr Ali may be being modest, according to Coun Pajak, who is a very keen runner. He said: “I think he was quite the footballer and cricketer in his younger days. I wouldn’t be surprised if he runs a quicker time.

“I think Nadine Watts might be looking at one hour 50 minutes as well.”

Coun Pajak who has run every Swindon half-marathon since it began said he might have the advantage in experience, but a disadvantage in being older than his colleagues in the race.

He said: “I’m looking at finishing at about two hours. And I would quite like to be the first councillor to finish.”

Coun Watts said: “I would be ecstatic with a time at one hour 50 minutes. But I don’t think there’s any rivalry with other councillors. I’m just trying to challenge myself . I’m running with the Wichelstowe Runners to raise money for the East Wichel Community Association.”

Conservative councillor Tim Swinyard has only himself to blame for having to run is first half marathon, or perhaps South Swindon MP Robert Buckland. Coun Swinyard said: “I asked Robert to run for the charity Dressability last year and he agreed if I did it this year. I said I would thinking he’d forget, but he hasn’t.

“I’m just hoping to get round within the four hours. I’m not competing with anyone.”

Nor is Emma Bushell, who will be running her third 13-miler. She said: “I’m hoping to get close to two hours, and if I can see the line with that time in view, I’ll put on a sprint, but I won’t be trying to beat anyone else.

“It’s going to be pretty tough on Sunday, but I’ll just be focussed on trying to beat my target. “

Sponsor at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TimSwinyard or justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wichelstowe-runners or at www.swindon1055.com