A BARNSLEY teenager with a passion for both distance running and kickboxing is quickly collecting impressive achievements for both of the sports.

Will Parkinson, 17, took part in the Altra Yorkshire Marathon in York last Sunday and finished the 26.2-mile run in just two hours and 42 minutes.

The Barnsley lad placed an impressive 48th amongst over 10,000 participants and took part alongside his sister, Megan, who finished within four hours and 15 minutes.

Will said that the marathon was the furthest he had run himself and wanted to be there for his sister on her biggest challenge yet.

He said: “I wasn’t expecting to do that well honestly – I was just trying to avoid that wall that people say they tend to hit at the 30 kilometre mark but it went really well and I enjoyed myself.”

A love for sport runs in the family as Will and his dad, Adrian Carr, are both black belt fighters – the two have been attending the Barnsley Combat Academy in Barugh Green for over four years now.

His hard work has paid off as Will is off to Madrid, with his dad, next month as a part of the England Fight Team to compete in a world championship and he has said he is looking forward to the next competition.

He added: “It’s a bit daunting and I am quite nervous but I think it will go well and hopefully it will be an impressive result.”