CIRENCESTER runner Holly Tugwell is to represent Team England at the British Masters cross country international in Glasgow.

Holly, 36, is a member of Cirencester Athletics Club and will line up for England in the 35-40 age group category against runners from Ireland, Scotland and Wales at the event in November.

She said: “I’m really happy for the opportunity to run for England.

“I have been running on and off now for 14 years. When I first started I couldn’t even run a mile but I gradually worked up the mileage.”

Her training regime has grown over the years and now consists of two to three ‘easy’ runs a week, one long run of around 12 miles and three speed/track sessions.

On top of this Holly’s dog walking business, Wheelers Walkies, sees her walking for an extra three hours every day.

Holly is also a mother, to her son Noah, and has plenty of advice for other young mums hoping to get into fitness.

“I would say to young mothers, get yourself out there with the babies and do some exercise,” said Holly. “Start off by brisk walking and eventually try jogging, there are loads of baby joggers for sale.

“We also have an excellent beginners group at Cirencester AC for new mums who would like to start running and meet new friends. Cirencester is a lovely running club and I have made some great running friends there. I joined when I first moved here a few years ago.”

“I would like to say a big thank you to David Wright my coach and Caroline Middleton my sponsor and sports therapist who have both been my rock throughout my running journey after having Noah and getting back into running.

“Both are amazing in what they do and very supportive.”

Before the British Masters cross country international in Glasgow, Holly has a number of other races including the British Masters Track and Road Relays in Birmingham and the British Masters Half-Marathon championships, also in Glasgow.

For more information about getting into running with Cirencester Athletics Club visit cirencester-ac.org.uk.