Luke Littler has expressed confidence that he would defeat Mo Farah in a half marathon with an added darts twist, after accepting a viral challenge. However, the teenage darts sensation admitted he would need to 'lose a bit of timber first' before taking on the Olympic legend.
The proposed contest would require both participants to complete a half marathon, but with the additional task of achieving a 501 checkout on a dartboard after each mile. The challenge has sparked widespread debate on social media, with fans speculating on the likely winner and calling for the event to be organised.
Support from the boxing world
British heavyweight boxer Dave Allen has been among those backing the idea. Allen told talkSPORT that he believes Littler would triumph, and revealed he had attempted to contact Farah to persuade him to take part.
Littler, who recently admitted he was 'sick of seeing' the suggested challenge, was asked for his thoughts after winning the latest leg of the Premier League Darts in Aberdeen. The two-time reigning darts world champion expressed confidence he would emerge victorious.
Littler's strategy: walk, don't run
Littler conceded he may need to shed some weight, but suggested Farah's lack of darts experience would allow him to walk, rather than run, the half marathon. 'I don't think Mo Farah could take out 501 personally,' Littler told PDC Darts. 'So as soon as I am done, nine darter, I am walking my next mile. Yeah, I think we should do it for charity. Obviously let me lose a bit of timber and I'll be good to go.'
Farah has indicated he would be up for the challenge. The four-time Olympic champion replied to Allen's message, saying: 'I will let my team get in touch with you! Yeeeezzzzzz!! 501.'
The numbers behind the challenge
The 43-year-old Farah, who won gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, holds an official personal best time of 59 minutes and 22 seconds over the half marathon distance. If the event goes ahead, both he and Littler would need to complete a 501 checkout 13 times during the run.
Littler's fifth Premier League Darts win of the season on Thursday put him top of the overall standings. The 19-year-old is already assured of a place in the play-offs.
