As part of a new series of columns, Your Sport has put the spotlight on some of the brightest talents at Horwich RMI Harriers.

This week we chart the rise of talented long-distance runner Nathan Townsend.

NATHAN started his running career in 2006 after taking part in the Tour of Horwich races and winning the u9s series.

He continued with these series wins for the next few years and took part in the club’s fell running championships.

In August 2009, he became Lancashire fell champion in the u12s category.

Nathan enjoyed the variety of track, fell, road and cross-country, which all had their own season Nathan’s running and training is a 12-month long series of races.

His hard work has paid off over the years and in March he claimed his third Lancashire Vest running with his Lancashire team-mates.

Nathan’s training usually involves travelling to Manchester under his coach Neil Canham.

He trains against the fast Manchester lads in his age group. Nathan achieved a national ranking of 20th in his age-group last year at 5k.

He holds various club records and his winter season has come to a close with a second place in the Mid-Lancs Cross-Country event.

He was also overall series winner in the much-coveted Red Rose Cross Country League – in his first year at u17s.

This year Nathan was awarded club captain in recognition of his achievements. He is keen to develop his middle distance position with several 5k races this year.

- Next week we will feature 400m specialist James Lovell in the final part of our series of features.