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A teacher is planning on running 20 marathons in 2020.

Paul Conlon, Head of Year 11 at Forest Hall School has already completed four marathons this year, with another 16 planned throughout the year, including the London to Brighton 100k two-day challenge.

While the Coronavirus is resulting in major events being cancelled, Mr Conlon is hoping to keep up the momentum of his challenge by taking part in local marathons and running the distance on local routes.

The most recent event involved completing 60 laps of the school field, with four Year 11 students supporting him by each running a half marathon.

In July, he also plans to take on two marathons in one weekend.

Mr Conlon, a member of Viewtube Runners in Stratford, said: “I took up running a few years ago, starting with my local Park Run in East London. I increased my distances and completed my first marathon in Brighton in April last year.

“Towards the end of last year, I was looking for a challenge for 2020 and in my head, 20 marathons in 2020 sounded great, so I set myself the goal!

“Each marathon has different challenges, but the biggest one is the mental determination to complete the distance; I have to psych myself up each time. While running, I also need to keep telling myself ‘I can do this’ and that quitting is not an option. Physically, I am sore for a few days, but it reminds me of what I have achieved and, thankfully, the aches and pains don’t last too long.”

Mr Conlon has so far this year completed marathons in Milton Keynes in four hours and eight minutes, Deal in Kent in four hours and 35 minutes, Cambridge in four hours and 47 minutes and around Forest Hall School in four hours and 33 minutes.

He is raising funds for St Clare Hospice To follow Mr Conlon’s progress or to sponsor, visit Just Giving.