TWO members of Egdon Heath Harriers, Ian Middlebrook and John Cook, are set to make their England debut at the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday, October 20.

The veteran runners qualified for the Age Group Masters team following strong runs at the Bournemouth Marathon last year.

They will compete for England in their respective age groups in a match against the Celtic nations.

Cook, 62, of Winfrith, and Weymouth’s Middlebrook, 54, have both been members of Egdon Heath Harriers for many years, and have been training hard with their club in the lead up to the race.

Speaking to Echosport, Middlebrook admitted lining up on the start line in an England vest would be a “proud day”.

He said: “I’m chuffed to bits, I’ve worked pretty hard for it.

“It’s been nearly a year now since we were selected and the whole process has taken 18 months in terms of training for selection and trying to stay fit for the event itself. It’s going to be a proud day when it happens.

“I did a two-hour 52 earlier in the year. I’m not sure I

can manage that again but somewhere around the 2:55 mark I’d be very happy

with.

“My wife and two kids are both coming up – hopefully I’ll see them a couple of times around the course and see them at the finish.”

Middlebrook believes his condition is good as the race approaches.

He said: “I’ve been training hard most of the summer and I feel like I’m coming into it in a decent run of form.

“The last couple of weeks I’ve been taking it fairly easy but I think I’m in quite good shape at the moment.”

Egdon Heath caters for runners of all standards and meets every Tuesday at 7pm from the Weymouth College Community Sports Centre – everyone is welcome.

For more information visit: egdonheathharriers.com