Bermuda middle-distance runner Jake Brislane achieved his personal best of 14min 49.87sec when finishing third at the Podium 5K in Leicester, England, last weekend.

Brislane, whose previous best time was 15:42, led the field of 91 for the better part of the run before running out of steam in the last 500 metres.

“I’m proud of the result,” the 19-year-old told The Royal Gazette.

“I knew pushing the pace early would make the race tougher, but I didn’t want to settle for a slower time so I took the initiative. It paid off and I got the PB so I’m happy, but I also know I’m capable of a stronger performance in a more competitive race where I do not have to lead.

“I wanted to run a fast time so when no one was taking it on, I went to the front. I led until 4.5K and then I was overtaken by two guys.

“It’s not ideal having to do most of the work at the front and a faster heat would have been better.”

Brislane, a first-year student at the University of Warwick is now looking forward to getting on the track at the end of next month, with plans to represent Bermuda in the 1,500 metres at the Island Games in Orkney in July.

“Overall my season has been great,’’ he said. “I’ve managed to avoid injury and after a bad race at the university cross country championship, I came eleventh in the junior national cross country race, which I was very happy with.

“I also ran a big 3K PB at the university indoor championships. I’m really looking forward to the track season and hoping to lower my bests in the 1,500, 3K and 5K.”

Brislane, a medal-winner for Bermuda at the Carifta Games in Grenada last year, had some words of encouragement for those seeking to represent the island at the annual athletics competition in Trinidad & Tobago next month.

“I would say to them just run smart,’’ the three-times Carifta Games medal-winner said.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the adrenalin and burn out by starting too fast. Run your own race and you’ll get the best result.”

In the 1,500 and 5,000 metres, in which Brislane won medals for the island in the under-20 age group, Oliver Hayward has attained the qualifying standard this year. Jake Smith, Anthony Joseph Harkness and Jade Adderley are the other runners to secure slots for the two distances.

Meanwhile, Freddie Evans, the Bermuda National Athletics Association president, was pleased by the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the young athletes at the Bermuda Schools Sports Federation finals on Friday.

“This meet was full of standout performers with many of the athletes making a statement,” Evans said.

“It was great to see many of our former champions there. Their presence reminds young athletes that success is possible with hard work and dedication.

“We also had the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport Owen Darrell, as well as Bermuda Olympic Association president Peter Dunne, which shows the level of national support for our sport.

“I would like to congratulate all the schools and athletes who participated. This event showcased just how much talent and passion we have for track and field in Bermuda.

“The future is bright and I can’t wait to see what these athletes achieve next.”

Smith, Jaeda Grant, Kyah Richardson, Chinae Dickenson-DeSilva, Amaris Munya, Lashee Jones, Zydon Lightbourne Furbert and Sanchez Smith, were some of the standout performers from the two days.

Jones, of The Berkeley Institute, met the 100 metres Carifta qualification standard in the semi-finals and went on to win double sprint gold.

With the Carifta final squad to be announced on April 15, Evans urged the athletes to remain active as the countdown to the qualification cut-off looms closer.

“While Carifta selection is coming up fast, the season is far from over,” the BNAA president said.

“There are still plenty of opportunities for athletes to prove themselves. We have the Pacers Relay Classic, Pacers Sprint Challenge, Fastest Kid on De Rock, as well as the National Championships.

“I strongly encourage all athletes to keep on competing, improving, and most importantly, enjoy the process.”

Evans has also put out a call to former athletes to get actively involved in the development of the sport on the island.

“If you have ever benefited from track and field, this is the time to give back,” he added.

“Our young athletes need guidance, support and mentorship. Volunteering at meets, coaching or even just sharing experiences can make a huge difference in developing the next generation of Bermuda’s track stars.”