BOLTON distance runner Phil Eccleston is to represent England at marathon in October next year.

Eccleston, who lives in Beaumont Rise, qualified as one of the top five in his M40 age group at a qualifying event earlier this year.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for Burnden Road Runner Eccleston, aged 40, who only took up running in 2010 when he weighed more than 18 stone. He decided he needed to do something about his weight and lifestyle so began training.

He completed his first marathon at Edinburgh in 2011 in 4hrs 47mins and just four years later recorded his personal best of 2hrs 36mins. He now runs and organises marathons and ultra marathon events under the banner of Hill Runner at www.hillrunner.org.uk

Eccleston said: “I am totally made up. I never thought this would happen to me after only taking up running a few years ago. It shows what you can achieve if you put your mind to it.”