A KEEN runner set to take on the London Marathon will be wearing the same lucky shorts he donned 13 years ago when he last completed 26 miles.

James Hore, 43, is raising funds for St Helena Hospice and has spent the past 18 months building up to Sunday’s big event.

The hospice, which provides palliative and end of life care, gave him a chance to run in their colours and raise funds.

The dad-of-two ran his one and only marathon back in 2008 when he slogged his way around the streets of Stockholm, Sweden.

After a 13-year break he’s hoping to beat his marathon PB by more than an hour.

James, of Boxted, was lucky enough to get his shot to run London when he entered the runners’ ballot for the first time.

Sunday’s race was originally scheduled to take place in April last year but has been put back on two occasions due to the Covid pandemic.

James revealed he is buzzing to get another chance to take on the distance which many view as the Holy Grail of running.

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“I was so lucky to have my name picked out of the ballot, especially as it was the first time I’d entered… a few people were probably cursing me.

“I can’t wait for Sunday and it seems apt that I should wear my favourite blue running shorts again.

“They’re still going strong, all these years later so why not?

“They’re my lucky shorts as I’ve worn them to get personal bests at 5k, 10k, and at half marathon distance.

Gazette: James Hore lucky shorts London Marathon

“The only one remaining is the marathon so it’s got to be worth a go and then I can retire them from use, maybe.

“I’m really proud to be running for the hospice too as it does such amazing work for families here during what can be their darkest hours.”

James posted a time of 4 hours and 37 minutes when he completed his first marathon alongside childhood pal Karl de Laine of Frinton.

He’s hoping that all his hours of training will pay dividends on Sunday morning.

“When me and Karl took on Stockholm the sun was shining and temperatures were pushing into upper 20s so we didn’t have much chance of getting round very quickly.

“It was brutal that day but we made it. I’m hoping for a cooler day on Sunday.

To donate to James’ fundraising go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-hore.