A FORMER serviceman has today made history after clinching a landmark finish at a Southampton mass running event.

David Oppong jubilantly crossed the line at Southampton Common to become the 100,000th finisher at Southampton parkrun.

The weekly timed run has soared in popularity since it launched in 2014 and is organised entirely by volunteers.

Hundreds of people gather each week to set off on the free 5km course starting and finishing at the Hawthorns Café.

But this week’s run was a milestone event with whoever finished 45th sealing their place as the 100,000th finisher in the event’s history.

And it was David who clinched that accolade – sailing over the line while listening to gospel music on his headphones.

The 34-year-old social worker from Lordshill, who previously served as a train driver in the Royal Logistics Corps said: “I am very competitive and like to push myself, but today was just a coincidence as I did not know about the 100,000th finisher until someone mentioned it to me earlier.”

He said he has regularly been coming to the event since 2013 to boost his fitness since leaving the army.

He often brings his son Oswald-David, six, and encourages colleagues and worshippers from Elim Christian Centre in Freemantle to take part in the event.

Event director John Grant said it is a “fantastic milestone”.

To sign up as a runner or volunteer see parkrun.org.uk/southampton/