Young marathoner hopes to run on every continent by age 12

LA PUENTE, Calif. (KABC) -- Young marathon runner Blanca Ramirez has some very ambitious goals.

Her sister got her into running, and at only 11 years old, she's already completed marathons in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

"It seemed like a lot of fun. I liked seeing all the things on the track," she said. "I felt relief and I was excited to call myself a marathoner."

Now, the La Puenta sixth-grader is going half way around the world to compete in the International Peace Marathon in Rwanda this Sunday, May 18.

But Blanca doesn't go it alone. Her father, and biggest supporter, is behind her every step of the way, doing whatever it takes to help her accomplish her goals.

"I follow her on my bike because I can't keep up with her. There's no way," Dimas Ramirez said. "[I] make sure she's hydrated, make sure she is healthy, she is OK. I don't want her to kill herself on a run. It's not about competing but completing."

The pair already has trips booked to Mongolia and New Zealand later this year. And next year, they are hoping to travel to Antarctica, Europe and South America for races.

If all goes as plan, she hopes to run a marathon on every continent by age 12.

"It's really exciting that I get to share this wonderful experience with her. It's like the kid inside of me is screaming out, like I get to accomplish something with her," said Dimas Ramirez.

But for now, she's focused on her Rwanda trip where she'll compete with some of the best runners in the world.

"I feel excited and nervous at the same time," said Blanca.

NOTE: The accompanied video was produced before Blanca left for Rwanda on Thursday, May 15.