THE race was on for teenager Luke Cox who completed three half marathons in just 15 days.

Marling Sixth Form student Luke, 17, gave himself just five weeks to train but impressively completed each 13-mile run in a faster time than the previous one.

So far his challenge has raised more than £500 for Prostate Cancer UK

"My granddad was diagnosed with prostate cancer recently so I wanted to do something to raise money," said Luke, who lives in Hazlecote with his mum Karen, dad James, brother Adam, 15, and sister Hannah, 10.

"It was a tough challenge.

"Between each race I tried not to do any exercise and rest.

"The day after at school I could hardly move because I was so worn out."

Luke finished the first race in Chippenham, on Sunday, September 15, in 1 hour 42 minutes, then just seven days later completed the Malmesbury Half Marathon in 1 hour 39 minutes.

His third run on Sunday, September 29, in the Forest of Dean was even faster at 1 hour and 38 minutes.

"I want to run the London Marathon before I am 20 so I felt this was a good step towards it," said Luke, who studies maths, chemistry and economics.

"As I hadn't raced before I didn’t know what time I was going to get but I was aiming for under two hours and I wanted to run faster than the previous one.

"I have been asking friends, family and teachers to sponsor me and I am so pleased with how much I have raised so far."

To sponsor Luke go to www.justgiving.com/3halfmarathons-15days