SWINDON Harrier Nathan Montague has been named as first reserve for the England team contesting the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100k road race next month, writes Kevin Fahey.

The 34-year-old ultra distance specialist from the Parks, Swindon, was called up for the event in Wales on May 2 even though he has barely raced this year due to injury.

Montague’s credentials are well established – in the annual UK Ultra Runner Awards he was named male runner of the year for 2014 – and he showed his ability by marking is comeback with an emphatic victory on the Compton Downland Challenge 40 miles trail race over the Easter weekend.

“I was very happy to come back from injury and not only win the Compton race but also run five minutes faster than I did last year (when he was second),” said Montague.

“I have been named as reserve for the England squad but the previous weekend I have also been invited to take part in the Highland Fling, which is a classic ultra race held over 53 miles on the West Highland Way in Scotland.

“It is a very prestigious race and I would love to do it. All my training has been geared towards one of these two races, but unless I am called up for the England team shortly due to someone getting injured then I will go to Scotland.

“I spoke to the selectors this week for an update and no-one has pulled out yet.”

The Highland Fling is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, so Montague has a few weeks yet. He appears to be very relaxed about his options, especially after the injury-affected start to the year.

“There are opportunities everywhere and it is all very exciting,” he added.