HEREFORDSHIRE runner Clara Evans has been selected to represent Wales at this year's Commonwealth Games.

Evans, from Hereford, has been selected to represent Wales in the Marathon on July 30.

Commenting on her selection Evans said it was a dream come true.

She said: "A real pinch me moment, with all the necessary cliches.

"It really is a dream come true and I'm so glad that all the years of training have paid off.

"I can't wait to race on the streets of Birmingham on July 30, and give it everything for Team Wales."

OTHER NEWS:

Evans, aged 28, has had a quick rise to international standard long distance running.

As recently as 2018 – when the most recent Commonwealth Games were hosted on Australia’s Gold Coast – the distance runner was simply “running for fun”.

“I’d race every weekend,” said Clara. “Parkrun, local half marathons, cross countries, you name it – I’d run it.

“For me, it was something to do and I didn’t have big ambitions. But I was spotted by Welsh Athletics coach Chris Jones at a couple of races.

“He noticed I wasn’t far behind the athletes who’d just come back from the Commonwealth Games.

“He offered me support but I didn’t think too much more of it. But a couple of months later, I got in touch. I was curious to see if I could get any better."

Evans was eight when she first started running, joining Hereford Athletics Club.

“I was never very good,” she said.

“I’d often come last in cross countries at under 13, under 15 and under 17 level but I made lots of friends at the club and I liked to see that I was always improving.”