by REBECCA RIPPON

THREE Chester runners will be braving the Scottish weather this weekend as they take part in the Highland Fling.

Jeff McQueen, Dave Douglas and Steve Mee will be representing Cheshire in the race which takes place along the West Highland Way at Loch Lomond on Saturday (April 24).

The 53 mile, self supported, off road race begins at Milngavie railway station and from here, up to 300 runners will have to attempt to cross the finish line at Tyndrum in 12-15 hours depending on their age and gender.

Jeff, 42, who originally hails from South Africa but now lives in Guilden Sutton, has been training alongside his fellow runners since January, by doing lots of cycling and running.

He said: “I’ve really got to know the area. There are so many public footpaths, more people need to explore them.”

Electrical manager Jeff is running the race for two charities: Open Doors, a charity that supports the Persecuted Church and The National Autistic Society, which is especially close to his heart as two members of his family suffer from the disorder.

Jeff, who is fairly new to this country, is hoping to complete the race in ten hours: “I am looking forward to the challenge. The main reason I am doing this is to integrate into the country and become a tough Brit!”

His schedule for the next few months is very busy indeed with a 220 mile cycle around Northern Ireland, the Chester half marathon in May and a 50 mile off road run in the Lake District in July.

You can sponsor Jeff at: www.justgiving.com/Jeff-McQueen.