But next Sunday, the Year 9 student will do just that - and his parents couldn’t be more proud.

Not only is Isaac physically fit enough to run the event - which he will do alongside his father Dan - but he is doing it with a very important mission in mind.

He wants to raise money for Running for Premature Babies, established in 2006 to honour the memory of premature triplets Henry, Jasper and Evan Smith who all died with 58 days of their birth.

Over the past decade the organisation has contributed more than $2.5 million to neonatal intensive care units. 

Understandably, this is a cause close to Isaac and his parents’ hearts, as such a unit saved his life in 2003 when he was born weighing just 1.1 kilograms.

Mr Cove said running a half marathon was by no means a certainty for his son following his birth.

“Isaac spent the first three months of his life in intensive care, first at Westmead Hospital before being transferred to Bathurst for the final month,” Mr Cove said.

“He required two operations and when we were finally able to bring him home he still only weighed two kilograms.

“Today he wears the same size shoes that I do and my greatest concern is being able to keep up with him when we run together.”

When Isaac runs the half marathon he will do so in his school colours, the blue and yellow of The Scots School Bathurst.

He has grown up enjoying running, having competed in district cross country for his school and the annual Edgell Jog, and looks forward to the half marathon.

“To be able to finish a half marathon in a good time will feel pretty amazing,” Isaac said.

“I know how lucky I was to have the care I did when I was born so early which gave me the chance to do this now.

“To be able to raise money to help other babies and families when I run is very important to me.”