BICESTER soldiers are planning to run 300 kilometres in just 30 hours to raise cash for a charity that supports their comrades.

Five members of 23 Pioneer Regiment will take turns to run for an hour on a running machine and hope to cover 60 kilometres each.

During the challenge, on May 28-29, colleague Private Josh Campbell, who lost both his legs in an explosion in Afghanistan last year, will call in to support the men.

Lance-Corporal Thomas Fitzpatrick came up with the idea after troops completed a similar challenge last year on a rowing machine.

Army fitness instructor Pte Fitzpatrick, 23, who has completed two tours to Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007, said: “One runner will run for an hour and have four off.

“We will be raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund — as a regiment we support them with every charity event we do.”

The fund supports soldiers, former servicemen and their families.

Troops hope to beat the £5,500 their colleagues raised last year and have urged people to drop by on the day.

Captain Kevin Jessop said: “We are a fit regiment and the individuals themselves are doing extra training just so they can endure the challenge.

“It is a massive challenge.

“The main thing that will get them is fatigue, but it’s not going to beat them.”

The event takes place outside Tesco, Pingle Drive, starting at noon on May 28.