TROWBRIDGE-based international duathlete Phil Wylie smashed his personal best in the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k road race on Sunday.

The recently-turned 35-year-old clocked 29min 30secs to slash 29 seconds off his previous best time set two years ago and placed fifth in the race which also incorporated the England Championships.

“It was a quality field on a fast course and was a really good race,” said Wylie.

“I was very motivated because I knew I was in good shape and had a fast time in me. Previously when I have been in top shape I have been racing duathlons but this time I was able to prepare properly for Leeds without any other distractions.

“It was well worth making the long journey to take off such a big chunk from my time.”

The time also puts Wylie top of the South West rankings for 2013.

Corsham Running Club’s Stuart Henderson also clocked a personal best of 36:46, carving 23 seconds off his previous best.

ALEX Carter heads to Liverpool in a positive mood for the European Championship U20 men’s trials race on Saturday.

The 17-year-old, from Winsley, has started the season well and after his fourth in the opening British Cross Challenge race in Bristol last month should be among the leading contenders.

“I am bottom of the age group so will be up against runners two years older than me which makes a difference so I would be happy if I can make the top 20,” said Carter.

“But I would like to finish higher than that if I can. We’ll just have to see how it goes on the day.”

Also racing in Liverpool for the first time will be fellow Team Bath runner Hayden Bailey. The John of Gaunt School student, who lives in Westbury, will run the U13 boys’ race.

THE latest Southwick Country Park run saw a one-two by the Burgess family, Stuart winning in 19.24 and son Josiah second in 18.38. Dominic Beddis who has won the event on three occasions, was third in 19.05.

The ladies event was a competitive affair with a minute covering the first three ladies home.

First was Caitlin Wosika of Team Bath AC in 20.19, with Fiona Price, of Avon Valley Runners, second in 20.28 and Magdalena Hargrave, of Woodford Green AC with Essex Ladies, third in 20.52.

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