NYLE Clinton smashed his personal best by almost two seconds with an impressive performance at the second British Milers’ Club Grand Prix in Manchester, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The 20-year-old Swindon Harrier shaved almost two seconds off his previous best with a time of three minutes 55.83 seconds, which is the fastest mark by a Wiltshire runner this season.

“I was hoping for a personal best but not expecting it as I have not been training that well recently due to exams, so I was really pleased with that,” said Clinton.

It also was far from the perfect race for Clinton. Leading going into the final lap, he was caught by three other runners and then got trapped on the bend approaching the home straight.

“Someone in front of me really slowed down and I couldn’t get by him as there was someone outside me,” he added.

“I had to wait before kicking on again, so I think I could have run a second or so quicker. Hopefully I have a faster time in me to come this summer.”

Clinton made the trip north with training partner and fellow Harrier Ciaran Cooper.

The 18-year-old from Lower Stratton did not beat his lifetime best of 1:52.88 but took full advantage of the perfect conditions to finish in 1:53.73 to go top of the South West Rankings for Under 20 men.

“Ciaran admitted it was hard work but he achieved what he set out to do and that was run under one minute 54secs, which is the qualifying standard for the English Schools’ Championships,” said coach Bryan Clinton.

Harrier Lillie Bellamy was also at Manchester but failed to finish her 800m race.