TWO Horwich RMI Harriers are hoping to make their mark over the next couple of weeks by taking part in international athletic competition.

Sue Jones heads for Mexico this week to represent Great Britain in the World Triathlon Championships, which take place on Saturday.

The following week sees veteran cross country ace Paul Muller compete for England in the Home International Championships in the slightly less tropical environment of Northern Ireland.

After almost 1000 races in a 21-year running career this will be Paul's first appearance for his country.

However, it could be in doubt after a freak accident after yet another victory last month.

"I was just warming down following a race in Edgworth but lost my balance and took most of the force on my knee," says Paul, who makes the 45-50 years age group team.

"I was hoping that it would heal itself but I'm still in a lot of pain at the moment. I'm hoping that it won't be a problem for the race."

Paul has been in contention for an England place before but has always turned the chance down due to the fact that athletes are forced to pay their own way to get to races.

However, he felt this was the right time and is confident after an excellent season.

"I've been running consistently around the 32 minute mark for 10km, and I won an international race in Bruges which I think really helped me.

"I have also beaten quite a few of the other guys that usually make up the team so it wasn't really a surprise to get the call up.

Paul lives in Blackpool but has been with Horwich for three years. His move to the club, that is now based at the track at Bolton Arena, just shows how the Harriers seem to be going places

"I had run for Blackpool for 10 years but they did not seem to be going anywhere," recalls Paul.

"A number of clubs including Wigan and Chorley wanted me to join but I always liked the look of Horwich because it caters for so much.

For Sue, swimming 1500m, cycling for 40km and running for 10km might sound tough but she will also be suffering temperatures of up to 30 degrees in Mexico.

The event takes place at sea level so there will not be the altitude problems which have affected a lot of sporting events in that part of the world.

"I've taken part in triathlons all over the country but never abroad - so I'm starting big," says Sue. "I've been doing triathlons with Horwich for about five years now, and I enjoy it because it really tests your abilities.

"As a kid I swam at county level but I concentrated on running from being about 21-years-old.

"But I have to do a lot of work on my cycling because it does not come as naturally to me as the other disciplines."

Sue, who is a lecturer in sport science, has been helped greatly by her employers Bolton Community College who have allowed her time off to compete.

She has also been backed by a number of firms including outdoor activities web site adventure21.com, and has been financially backed by the council led Bolton Forum For Sport.

"Getting to Mexico does not come cheaply so the support of my employers and sponsors has been brilliant," she says.

"It's quite special to represent your country and obviously I'm really looking forward to the trip.

"I don't know the standard of competition at the moment but I am aiming to do my best."