TWO Gloucester AC runners make their debut on the world stage in Qatar tomorrow and coach David Farrow has told them to throw off their fears and make their mark.

Gemma Turtle and Rose-Anne Galligan are still novices when it comes to international athletics and will be among the slowest in their respective 3000m and 1500m races, which will be packed with top-class talent that has been attracted to the city of Doha for the World Indoor Championships.

At this stage of their careers the challenge for medals is still way beyond them and even making the final would be an immense achievement, but Farrow has been drumming into the girls – still only 23 and 22 respectively – that they should fear no-one and be prepared to rise to the biggest challenge to date.

"There is no higher stage than a senior World Championships," said Farrow.

"This isn't a junior or Under-23 event any longer, this is competing against the very best in the world.

"All the athletes who have qualified are serious, world class performers and from the entry list I see there is a very strong presence from Ethiopia and Kenya, plus some top runners from Turkey, Russia and America as well as the rest of Europe.

"This will be a fantastic experience for both Gemma and Rose-Anne."

Turtle, who lives in Cheltenham, is in the Great Britain team for the 3000m heats tomorrow morning (11am) while Galligan tackles the 1500m in the afternoon (1.30pm) after making the Irish squad with a superb performance in Spain just before the entry deadline.

Just making their respective national teams for the first time was a big achievement, and there is always the danger that both girls could feel over-awed by racing against Olympic and World Championship medallist.

"If they have listened to what I have told them that won't be the case," added Farrow.

"Both girls will get stuck in and they are not going to be anonymous. I have told them that the top Africans deserve respect but don't be intimidated by them at all.

"I don't want them to be caught in the headlights like a rabbit and not perform to their best. If the race is slow and below their personal best times I want them to get out front and push it on.

"Obviously if it is super fast they will be at the back anyway but otherwise I have told them to get stuck in and take it on.

"What they learn and take from this event could be the launchpad for a great future for them both because at their age there is still plenty of room for development and improvement. It is a great opportunity."