SOLDIERS from York’s 2 Signal Regiment currently on operations in Afghanistan have organised the first Kabul Marathon to raise money for charity.

Captain Matt Johns of 2 Signal Regiment said the troops wanted to raise some money for charity and do something to keep themselves busy when they weren’t working “The idea of doing a marathon was suggested so we decided to run with it.

“As far as we have researched, Kabul has never had its own marathon so we will be the first,” he said.

Although improvements in security in Kabul have been made in recent years, it is still not safe enough to run the event outside, so it will take place on camp.

“It will take us 76 laps to complete the marathon distance of 26.2 miles,” said Army Physical Training Instructor, Lance Corporal Danny Haley who is helping the competitors train for the event as well as taking part himself.

“Due to our work most people will have to break the marathon down into stages, but everyone will have completed the distance by the time the day is over,” he said.

The marathon is being held to raise money for Project Bland, an initiative in memory of Yorkshire Signaller Wayne Bland who was killed in action whilst serving in Kabul over two years ago. The project aims to improve the lives of residents of the Khwajeh Rawash suburb and has included the installation of several wells, the rebuilding and resourcing of a local school, and several aid drops.

Money will also go to the Kohima Education Trust, a children’s charity set up by returning soldiers from the Battle of Kohima in 1944 in testimony to the soldiers of Nagaland that fought alongside the British at Kohima, which is supported by the 2 Signal Regiment.

The National Autistic Society will also be given a share of the sponsorship money.

Visit justgiving.com/KabulMarathon to sponsor the soldiers.