AN RAF veteran is limbering up for the Swindon Half Marathon at the grand age of 72.

Arthur Beltrami will be reunited with comrades he served with half a century ago in October.

And, just hours later, he will race in the Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon on Saturday, October 11.

“I certainly don’t feel my age,” said the semi-retired businessman from The Prinnels, West Swindon.

“I’ve lost count of the number of half marathons I’ve done and there’s nothing stopping me carrying on – I’m in good shape.”

The grandfather-of-four is taking no short cuts in preparing for the 13-mile event next month and his intensive training schedule is more a way of life.

Every day of the week he attends fitness classes at the Link Centre in West Swindon, or goes cross country running.

Besides keeping him fit, he thinks exercise is the perfect way to have fun and make friends.

Arthur said: “Doing the classes gives me something to get up for every day.

“You meet some lovely people and I’m regularly invited to social events by the friends I’ve made.

“The half marathon is a good challenge to keep me on my toes. I couldn’t do it last year because of hamstring trouble, which was very annoying.

“In 2006 I finished in two hours and three minutes and was second in the over 70s category. I hope to be first this time round.”

Arthur is also looking forward to a trip down memory lane before the big day, when he travels to Oxford to meet fellow RAF veterans who he hasn’t seen for 50 years.

“I served in Air Traffic Control between 1955 and 1958,” he said.

“We’re having a reunion to mark 50 years since the Suez Crisis. I served in Jordan, Iraq and Bahrain and helped land aircraft.

“There were no computers in those days – our control station was the cockpit of a crashed aircraft.

“They are happy memories, but also quite frightening in hindsight. We were held prisoner once, but at the time you take it all in your stride.”

Arthur left the Forces to pursue a successful career in electrical engineering, which still keeps him busy.

“I was going to retire at 63 – but I still keep doing bits of business,” he said.

“I think all these things keep you young – a bit of work, play and of course plenty of exercise along the way.”

Coun Justin Tomlinson, (Con, Abbey Meads), the cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said: “Arthur is a fantastic example of how leading a healthy and very active lifestyle really can work wonders.

“It’s brilliant that Arthur is raring to go for this year’s Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon and I wish him all the best in achieving his goal.

“Age is no barrier to getting involved in the day, so choose an event and sign up for what promises to be a tremendous day of fun and physical activity.”

The closing date for entering the Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon is Friday, September 19.

The event, organised by Swindon Council and sponsored by Nationwide Building Society, is open to all adults.

There is also a five-mile multi-terrain run open to participants aged 15 and above, along with a two-mile fun run for everyone.

Under eight-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult who has entered the event.

For information call 01793 511033 or visit www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk