A TEAM of marathon runners from Bolton is heading for Holland to tackle the fastest route in the world.

And they are appealing for sponsors to boost their fund for deaf children.

The runners, all members of Horwich Harriers, have been in intensive training for the Rotterdam marathon on Sunday.

John Ashton, aged 31, from Westhoughton, is running to qualify for the Amateur Athletics Association standard of two hours and 45 minutes or under.

The other members are Dennis Ryan, 31, from Horwich and George Buckley, 40, Brian Hall, 36, Kevin Ball, 35, and Dave Mansfield, 31, all from Westhoughton.

They have completed the London marathon three times and the New York race once.

Anyone who wants to sponsor them to raise funds for the Royal School for the Deaf in Cheadle Hulme can call Dave on 01942 814544.

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