THE Wiltshire senior men’s squad will be looking to retain their 10k road team title at the South West Road Running Championships in Gloucester on Sunday.

In-form county champion Simon Nott of Calne Running Club – he holds all titles from 5miles to the half marathon – leads the squad and will also be taking on the team manager’s duties on the day.

In support will be Avon Valley Runners’ Mike Towler, who made a big breakthrough in the Bristol half marathon when he smashed his PB to make the top 10, Sergio Martinez Gonzalez (Swindon Harriers) and Simon Gilbert (Devizes Running Club).

But with four runners to count, the Wiltshire men have no margin for error as they can expect strong opposition from host county Gloucestershire, while both Cornwall and Devon will be sending strong teams.

The county’s women have a stronger turn-out and team manager Denise Nott is expecting Wiltshire to mount a strong challenge and hopefully better the bronze medals they won at Glastonbury last year.

Diane Nott said: “Everyone I asked to run this weekend accepted and we have only lost one runner through injury.

“We have some good girls running.”

The Avon Valley Runners’ pair of Jackie Rockliffe and Bethan Francis, both coached by Steve Williams, are enjoying terrific form at the moment while Nott herself is a consistent performer.

Nott added: “It would be good if we could improve upon our bronze medals from last year but the competition will be tough."

Wiltshire senior women’s squad: Cordula Hurcum (Chippenham Harriers), Bethan Francis ( Avon Valley Runners), Karen Hacker (Chippenham Harriers), Jacqueline Rockliffe ( Avon Valley Runners), Denise Nott ( Calne Running Club), Veryan Cranston (Avon Valley Runners).

Senior men: Simon Nott (Calne Running Club), Michael Towler (Avon Valley Runners), Sergio Martinez Gonzalez (Swindon Harriers), Simon Gilbert (Devizes Running Club).