An RAF Lossiemouth airman has broken the world record time for running a marathon – while wearing a gas mask.

SAC Andy McMahon, a member of 2622 (Highland) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiments at RAF Lossiemouth, ran the London Marathon at the weekend.

Andy had been training for months as he sought to break the world record marathon attempt, and he was delighted to have shaved almost 34 minutes from the previous record.

After completing the London event in 3 hours 55 minutes, Andy said: “It was much tougher in London than I had expected as it was very warm. This made it very hot under the respirator and as a result I tired a lot in the second half of the race.

“I am very grateful for the fantastic support I received from the spectators and this helped me particularly over the last 6 miles when I was really running out of steam.

“My time was a little slower than I had hoped for but given the weather conditions I was very pleased to have broken the record.”

Andy, whose full-time job is as a Youth Development Officer with Highland Council in Inverness, is no stranger to world record attempts as he is the current Guinness world record holder for running a marathon in military kit, when he completed the Lochaber Marathon in April 2009 in 3:49:21 wearing full body armour, uniform, boots and helmet.

The Squadron plays a vital role in providing reservist RAF Regiment Gunners and other support personnel to reinforce the RAF on operations and in times of crisis.

Reservists come from all walks of life, including tradesmen, office workers, retail workers, self-employed, unemployed, students etc.

It allows people to be part of the military whilst remaining a civilian and is a great opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, travel abroad and also earn some extra money.

As well as becoming a double world record holder, Andy raised funds for Moray Firth Radio Cash for Kids and the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity which provides practical, financial and - in some cases - emotional support to all members of the RAF family, from childhood through to old age.

The Fund helps with issues from childcare and relationship difficulties to injury and disability and from financial hardship and debt to illness and bereavement.

Details of how to support Andy’s efforts to raise funds can be found at UK Money Giving