Falling Lane graduate takes on Chicago Marathon

Deepak, 23, a graduate from Falling Lane, Yiewsley, flies out on October 11 to run the gruelling course to raise money for charity.

He said: "This is my first ever marathon, and I am quite nervous to be flying out there, and running for it alone.

"I began my training in Bolivia whilst backpacking through South America for three months and learning Spanish along the way.

"I have run on highways through the desert in Chile, been chased by dogs carrying rabies across landfill and construction sites in Bolivia, along train tracks in Argentina, through the city streets of Paraguay, as well as around castle walls in Germany."

Despite his extensive training, Deepak only started three and a half months ago, whereas doctors and athletes recommend six months of training as a minimum.

Deepak is aiming to raise £1,000 for the British Asian Trust, a charity which is a subsidiary of the Prince's Trust which aims to help underprivileged families in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The Chicago Marathon is the third biggest marathon in the world, and will feature 40,000 runners from over 100 countries.

Deepak has also created an online blog detailing his training for the marathon, featuring all his South American escapades.

To visit it go to deepakdoesamarathon.wordpress.com or donate at www.justgiving.com/deepakshukla