FAIRFORD-based runner Dave Bell is looking for a big performance in the 33rd Stroud Half Marathon on Sunday, writes Kevin Fahey.

Bell will be attacking the race on two fronts – individually hoping for a top 10 finish and potentially his first sub-70 minutes and second, as the lead man for a strong Cirencester AC squad.

In-form Bell, who looked impressive in winning the Cricklade Half Marathon in a new personal best earlier this month, will be joined by Chris Illman, former Belgium junior international Denis Galerin and Simon Campbell as they look mount a serious challenge for team honours.

“Whether we will be strong enough to rival Cheltenham, who always put out a good team, remains to be seen but we have a strong squad,” said Bell, who is head of biology at Cirencester College.

“I think all four of us could finish inside one hour 20mins and that should give us a strong chance in the team competition but we will just have to wait and see who turns up on the day. That’s what counts.”

Individually, Bell will certainly be among the leading British runners – Africans have won the previous four races – and will be looking to improve upon his ninth place last year when he finished in 73 minutes.

“I am hoping for around 70 minutes and would love to go sub-70 but that will need everything to come together on the day,” added Bell.

“I was frustratingly close to doing that in Cricklade, in perfect conditions on a flat course, but I was out on my own for a long time. There should be more competition in Stroud, which I have done a few times now.

“There is a tough mile at halfway going up the A38 and I find that is make or break. If you get to the top and you are still feeling okay then you could be on for a really good one. It separates the men from the boys.

“It is a good race for the whole club and we always have a good turnout with everyone supporting each other.”

Coincidentally, the last British winner of the race in 2008 was Bell’s Cirencester clubmate Wendy Nicholls, who had entered the race this year but has had to pull out due to family commitments.

Swindon Harriers’ Peter Keen has had a great month, clocking personal bests over both the 10k (36:45 in Cricklade) and the half marathon (82:22in the BHF Swindon race).

The latter was only two weeks ago and the 49-year-old should be chasing the prizes in the over 45s age group .