WILTSHIRE international Ruth Barnes feels a personal best is within her grasp after racing to an emphatic victory in the Simplyheath Great Bristol 10k.

The Avon Valley Runners athlete dominated the event around the city’s harbourside, leading from the gun to cross the finish line in a time of 34mins 23secs.

That mark was just eight seconds off her lifetime best and is the second fast time Barnes has ever run. It is also the second quickest time this year by an over 35 veteran and fourth fastest overall in the south west, so Barnes was understandably pleased with her performance.

“I have not raced for a while because after the half marathon in Spain (where Barnes made her full debut for England) I suffered a hamstring injury and was laid low for around six weeks,” said Barnes.

“On Sunday I had no idea whatsoever how I would run. I told my coach, Steve Williams, that it could be 34 minutes of 37 minutes.

“As it turned out, I felt strong and it was nice to win a big race. It is a welcome boost to my confidence.”

Barnes was wary of home city runner Charlotte Taylor-Green, a renowned track performer who has just returned from a six-week training camp at altitude in America.

“Charlotte is quick and I knew I had to get away from her and not get out-sprinted at the finish,” added Barnes.

“So I just cracked on from the start and managed to get away from all the other girls.”

Barnes finished 31st overall in the mixed field but such was her dominance over her female rivals, she can now wonder how much more is in the tank.

“I am doing the London 10k in two weeks’ time as that incorporates the British Championships this year and is sure to have a very strong women’s field,” she explained.

“It would be nice to run a PB in London as I feel I have plateaued a bit recently. It should be a really good race and we’ll see what happens on the day.”

Leading Wiltshire runner in the men’s race was AVR’s Joby Hobbs, who clocked a PB of 34mins 51secs in 43rd place.