Dan's digging for gold Down Under (From Stroud News and Journal)

Dan's digging for gold Down Under

THE eyes of the Five Valleys and Great Britain will firmly be focused on Nailsworth marathon man Dan Robinson on Saturday night, when England's solitary competitor aims for potential medal glory from the start line of the 18th Commonwealth Games Marathon in Melbourne, Australia.

Robinson secured an unexpected 12th place finish in the World Championships in Helsinki last year, becoming the second European runner home in the process.

The Stroud and District Athletics Club runner is a genuine medal contender, but the unassuming 31-year-old is keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of his latest challenge.

Speaking from his training camp in Melbourne, Robinson said: "I'm aiming for top six or seven anything after that will be a massive bonus.

"Training is going well and I'm in the shape of my life. I have done the last of my speed sessions and long runs and starting to ease down for the big race now.

"It has been very hot here, and currently is into the high 30's, but I was used to that at the last Olympics in Athens."

Robinson's coach, Chris Frapwell, is backing his man for glory, he said: "Anything is possible, Dan's time trials have been fantastic - he is in the best shape of his life."

Robinson wouldn't pin-point a winner, but felt the competition would be fierce.

He added: "It's going to be a decent quality race. The Kenyans are still there, the Tanzanians, South Africans, a couple of Ugandans and the Australians."

*TELEVISION coverage of the race starts on Saturday, March 18 from 11.50pm.