DOUBLE Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah is aiming to smash the British record at the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday in his first ever competitive attempt at the distance.

The 31-year-old, who won the hearts of the British public at London 2012 with golds in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, is untested and unproven over 26.2 miles.

An experienced and starstudded field will take to the start line at Greenwich Park, including four of the ten fastest marathon runners in history.

Farah, however, remains confident he can hold his own and has his sights firmly set on Steve Jones’ British record of two hours, seven minutes and 13 seconds, which has stood since 1985.

‘‘My main target is definitely to go after the British record,’’ Farah said.

‘‘Hopefully I can the break the British record and then we’ll see what comes with it.

‘‘It’s going to be an incredible race whatever happens because if you look at the field, it’s something very special.

‘‘I know with my confidence on the track I should be there but at the same time the distance for me is a challenge.

‘‘It’s something I’m going to find out if I can do or not and that’s what I wanted, to test myself. ‘I’ll go with the group and try to be patient – that’s my aim, not to waste too much energy.’’