RUTH Barnes may never have a better chance of finally conquering the half marathon than in the 2017 Vitality Bath event on Sunday, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The Bradford on Avon based runner has enjoyed a fantastic cross-country season, which saw her win the South West Inter Counties title for the first time before finishing 11th in the Southern Championships then a career best 14th in the English Championships.

But over the half marathon distance, Barnes, who is a member of Avon Valley Runners, knows she has punched well below her weight and would like nothing more than to nail a fast time.

“According to my PBs over 10k and 10 miles, I should be running around 75 minutes for the half,” said Barnes.

“If I can do that in Bath, I would be very pleased, but to be honest, just to beat my PB would be good as it is horrendous.

“I am hopeful because I didn’t have any problems in the Wiltshire 10 (a PB of 56:44 last month). That has given me confidence that I can finally run a decent half marathon.”

If Barnes can produce anything like the form she has shown over the winter months, then she will be a real contender for a place on the podium.

“It should be a competitive British field and that always helps to push you on harder,” said Barnes.

“I have always said that I would rather run a fast time and finish 10th than win a race in a slow time. It looks like we could all be close together and the other girls should drag me around.”

Clubmates Jackie Rockliffe, from Trowbridge, Fiona Price, from Westbury, and Rich Ayling, also from Westbury, are entered as is Corsham-based Team Bath runner Mike Dooley, who could do well in the veterans over 50s age group.

  • IN HIS final event of the indoor season, Trowbridge junior international high jumper Tom Gale leapt to victory in the Welsh International in Cardiff on Sunday.

Representing England, the John of Gaunt School student cleared 2.13m, matching the height he achieved when winning his first national title the previous weekend.

“It was disappointing to end with one of my lower heights but I have improved this winter so I am content,” said Gale.

“Now I will have a week off before getting back into hard training.”