Line of Duty star Martin Compston ran marathon just to get to a pub on the route as roads were closed-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Martin Compston ran the gruelling LA Marathon – so he could watch a match in a pub along the route.

The Line of Duty star (and major Celtic fan) was so determined to catch a match against Rangers while he was in the United States that he signed up to run the annual 26-mile marathon.

Martin, 38, told the story on Wednesday’s episode of The One Show, after his podcast co-host Gordon Smart essentially dropped him in it.

Admitting that he loved throwing Martin under the bus, Gordon said he had a great story of the star running a marathon – but ‘didn’t run it for a conventional reason.’

To which Martin – after groaning and looking downright embarrassed – explained he was in Los Angeles ahead of a Rangers v Celtic game which was due to be played on Sunday.

He called his friend to ask what the plan was with ‘predrinks’ and the pub – but was told all of LA ‘would be closed off’ for the marathon.

The Line of Duty legend casually ran a marathon just to get to the pub when the roads were closed (Picture: Getty Images Europe Copyright: RK)

‘There was no way to get to this pub,’ Martin said. ‘All the roads were shut.’

However, he explained, there were tickets left if you wanted to compete the marathon – which gave him an idea.

‘It started at the Dodgers stadium where I’ve a pal, and ended at the beach where I was staying, and the pub was in the middle of the route.

He said his plan was to ‘run the marathon, get to the pub and watch the match in the middle and then run home.’

Martin appeared a little embarrassed about it all (Picture: BBC)

‘That was the idea – there was a method to it!’

But it wasn’t to be, as Martin was about to leave the marathon as he reached the pub, only to be told he would be disqualified if he did so.

And he thought to himself: ‘I got this far so I’ll finish it!’

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It may seem like the ultimate humble brag – just casually running a marathon, no big deal – but what a story.

The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One.

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