SOLDIER Ben Rieper from Leigh started as firm favourite when he entered a half-marathon in Bosnia - he's a former England international athlete! The 13-mile Banja Luka race was organised to raise money for the Trapisti Children's Orthopaedic Hospital where most of the patients are victims of landmines. For Air Trooper Ben Rieper that was all he needed to return to serious running.

Ben, who went on to win, said: "I trained quite hard for the race. The course was quite hilly but scenic and the weather was kind to us."

Ben started running seriously at the age of 14. By 20 he had graduated to international status, competing in cross country running and steeplechasing and represented England in the senior men's team.

His titles include Northern Under-20s cross country champion, Inter-county silver medallist, 2000 metre steeplechase champion as well as county titles at junior and senior level.

The Banja Luka half-marathon attracted over 550 runners from around the world. Nato Stabilisation Force troops from 38 nations and local runners made up the field.

"This is my first time in Bosnia," Ben said. "By all accounts staging an event like this two years ago would not have been possible. It is an encouraging sign that things are returning to normal."

This may have been Ben's first race in Bosnia but it might not be his last. He is so inspired by the £3,300 raised for the hospital he is planning to run a 54-mile Double Marathon for a school in Gornji Vakuf where some of the most bitter fighting took place.

Ben, a former pupil of Bedford High School, Leigh, joined the Army in 1996 and is a signaller for the helicopter landing site in Banja Luka.

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