ETHAN Pierce smashed his personal best to set his season alight at the British Milers Club PB Classic at Millfield School, Somerset.

The 17-year-old Swindon Harriers junior slashed almost nine seconds off his 2017 best, which coincidentally he set at the same meeting, with a time of 4mins 13.47secs to finish third in a highly-competitive B race.

Harriers coach Bryan Clinton said: “That was a good run by Ethan but, to be honest, his previous best of 4:21 was a bit soft for someone of his ability.

“But he got his pace spot on and churned out 68-second laps metronomically before picking off a couple of runners with a good kick at the finish.

“He got a few good scalps and I am sure there will be more to come from him this season.”

Pierce clearly enjoyed a recent training spell with Clinton and his group in Portugal where they relished both the change of scenery and some fine weather to fine-tune preparations for the outdoor campaign.

Clinton added: “It was a good training camp and the athletes put in some excellent sessions and also enjoyed themselves.

“Ethan, in particular, has come back physically and mentally stronger. At Millfield, he put it all together to produce what I know he can.”

Pierce wasn’t the only Harrier to impress in the meeting, which traditionally offers a great opportunity to run personal bests.

Youngster Harriet Hillman, who only recently moved to Clinton’s group after previously working with fellow Harriers coach John Dill, clipped two seconds off her PB in the 800m with a time of 2mins 25.20secs in the D race.

Clinton said: “We all know that Harriet is a prodigious talent, but it is also worth remembering she is still only 12.”

Nonetheless, Hillman is racing with a freedom of someone blessed with such talent and the time puts her second in the UK rankings for U13 girls, with only Lauren Waddington, of Chorley, quicker at 2:24.07.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Harriet ran close to 2mins 20secs or even below this summer,” added Clinton.

Also in the 800m, there was a personal best for Jack Gunning in the E race, and rookie Fletcher Hart, who is in Dill’s group at the Harriers, who clocked 2:28.47.

In the 3,000m, junior Dan Patel, who is coached by Kevin Buttle, did well to dip under 10 minutes on his debut at the distance with 9:55.45.

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The sprinters certainly appreciated the hot conditions and junior Freddie Dickinson clocked 12.0secs and 24.7secs in the 100m and 200m, winning the latter, while teenager Tye Leo-Stroud also showed up well.

In the 400m, Elliot Doughty and Matthew Smith enjoyed a one-two, while Joseph Knibb won the B race.

Talented all-rounder Ben McIntyre clocked 61.0secs to win the 400m hurdles, and also raced the 400m flat and also finished third in the U17 men’s shot.

Junior Josh Ricketts had a busy day winning the U20 men’s hammer and shot and adding second place in the discus.

Teenager Delleah Belgrave impressed in the sprints, clocking 13.0secs and 27.1secs for the 100m and 200m respectively, and there were fine wins for Keeleigh Chapman, Hannah New, Amelia Skittrall, Kelly-Marie Marsh, Lucy Spencer and Lauren Pawson on what was a strong showing by the club.