A KEEN runner from Bromsgrove has qualified for the England Age Group squad after finishing 12th in the Brighton Marathon.

Karl Welborn, who claims to be Bromsgrove’s fastest man, finished in the top 100 of the London Marathon and 5th in the Birmingham Marathon last year.

A consultant occupational therapist, Karl placed 12th overall from more than 12,000 entrants in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday, April 15, and came 2nd in his age category.

He completed the course in two hours and 32 minutes – improving his personal best by a minute.

Karl’s time made him one of five to make the England Age Group team, who have been selected to represent England in the Chester Marathon in October.

Karl said: “I entered Brighton with the sole intention to qualify to represent the country and race in an England vest. I was not overly concerned about racing the clock but more racing for places

“I knew I was in shape to run around the 2:30 mark, and from the off I was on for a predicted finish time of 2:27 to 2:28.

“I managed to get to 20 miles in 1:53:38 which would have given me a finish time of 2:, but as anyone who has run a marathon knows, that last 10km is really hard and I started to slow.

“I was happy to run over a minute personal best and of course secure England qualification.”

Karl trains with fellow TMR athletes at Bromsgrove’s Ryland Centre, where he also helps others getting into running.