SOLDIER Ben Reiper is Cram-ful of energy. He pounded into the Olympic Stadium in Sarajevo to complete a demanding double-marathon - urged on by Olympic hero Steve Cram.

Airtrooper Ben is based in the Bosnian town of Gornji Vakuf, serving a six-month tour with the 664 Squadron Army Air Corps, who organised the event to raise money to rebuild schools in the war-ravaged country.

And the race came quickly after his victory in a half-marathon in Banja Luka.

He said: "The double marathon was tough on the legs. The worst was about 45k when there was a bit of a hill and I was up with the leaders."

Ben, a 24-year-old former Bedford High student whose father Norman still lives in Lowton, was shocked after visiting a Bosnian hospital where he witnessed the tragedy of child victims of landmines.

That was when he decided to get back into serious training.

The half-marathon in Banja Luka was organised to raise cash for the Trapisti Children's Orthopaedic Hospital in the town.

Ex-Leigh Harrier Ben, one of England's top steeplechase and cross-country runners, beat 550 fellow troops from 38 nations plus a number of locals in an event which raised £3,300.

A signaller for the helicopter landing site in Banja Luka, he said: "It was an eye opener coming here and seeing all the damage and destruction that goes on for miles.

"It makes you realise just what people have been through and it's good to help them get back on their feet again."

Cram, who ran so well in the Flora London Marathon in April, had planned to run only part of the 54 miles with Ben and his pals.

"But these guys were an inspiration," he said. Crammy went the full distance!

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