Top Bermudian middle distance runner Kavin Smith continues to improve, notching another personal best 10,000 metres time during a recent track meet in Grimsby, England.

Smith, currently undergoing a seven week period of intensive training, placed first in his section -- fourth overall -- at the Northern County Championships on Sunday after being timed in 30 minutes, 29 seconds which was half a minute faster than his previous best, also recorded overseas.

England's Stuart Bell won the open category with a time of 29:45.

More than 30 running clubs were involved in the event and the tone of Smith's voice spoke volumes about his improved outlook and potential to reach world class status.

He was particularly struck by the fact that he was able to produce a good time despite running with a "stiff back'' for the first half of the race.

"I'm pleased by the time but not in my performance,'' said Smith, enjoying a rare moment of free time with wife Karla at his base in Stockport, south of Manchester. "Things look pretty nice at 30:29 instead of being in the 31's and 32's. It's a pretty amazing improvement and I'm looking to maybe take another 30 seconds off my next time out.'' The runner's next outing will be the Peugeot Perivale 10K in Middlesex on Sunday, where several Kenyans are expected to take part, followed by what will be his final outing at the Bangor 10K in Northern Ireland on September 16.

Smith once again said how important it is for him to be able to train on a full-time basis and pointed to his improved times as proof.

"It's a big difference being here in an environment where the focus is purely on running and everyone is running,'' he said. "It's inevitable that I improve just because of the atmosphere and I now feel capable of breaking 30 minutes.

"Right now my body is a bit tired and in need of rest, but with that I feel confident that my times will continue to come down. It's all mental and I'm starting to gain the confidence needed to do well and be able to reach for that little bit extra when I need it.'' Smith is due to return home on September 19, but hopes to secure further sponsorship in order to return abroad for more training and competition.

Kavin Smith