AN ATHLETE who grew up watching the London Marathon on TV and dreaming of one day competing in it is preparing for the challenge.

George Day, 18, of Lamorna Close in Walthamstow, has been running for the past 10 years.

As a child George would point at athletes on the TV and tell his father Andy, 50, he would one day compete against them.

After giving up football to dedicate all his energy to running, George went on to win the under 20s category in the Hampton Court half marathon earlier this year.

Now the Level 1 plumbing student at Epping Forest College is facing his biggest test yet – his first full marathon.

George said: “When I told my classmates I am running the London marathon some of them thought I was crazy.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was eight and I would watch it on TV.

“I remember watching it last year and seeing the elite athletes going by and it just got me thinking about how much I wanted to do it. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere.

“I’m a bit nervous because the furthest I’ve ran is 22 miles and that was pretty tough. But I’ve just got to get through it and get a good time. My aim is to do it in under two hours 45 minutes.”

George started training for the 26.2 miles marathon last December by running 72 miles every week.

He hopes to raise £500 for his running club, the Orion Harriers in Chingford.

George, who said he is inspired by athletes Callum Hawkins and Mo Farah, dreams of competing in the world championships and the Olympics in the future.

He added: “It takes a lot of hard work and years of training but I’m pretty confident I can achieve my goals some day.

“To other young people thinking of doing it and having doubts I would say if I can do it you can as well and believe in yourself.”

His father Andy said: “When George was younger and he would tell me he wanted to run the London Marathon one day I just said to him one day you will do it but I took it with a pinch of salt.

“I’ve taken him all over the country to races. Obviously if it’s your child’s dream you would do anything to support them. Other parents may not have the time to do it but I’m lucky to have the time.”

The London Marathon will take place on Sunday April 23.