STEPH TWELL smashed her own course record to post the second fastest time by a British woman this year at yesterday’s KPMG Easter 10k road race.

The 19-year-old Aldershot and Farnham runner (pictured), who ran at last year’s Beijing Olympics, took a minute-and-a-half off her own course record in finishing fifth over the Port Soif finish line.

Twell was just 17 when she set a new best for the course of 34-04 in 2007. Forced to miss last year’s Easter Festival, she was determined to make amends on her return to an island she plainly loves.

Her time of 32-35 was a massive personal best and raised her spirits after a slightly disappointing run at the recent world cross-country championships in Jordan, when she led home the British team.

‘I was absolutely thrilled [with the run]. . . so happy,’ she said after the race.

‘I felt so strong all the way to the finish.

‘I set off quite controlled and myself and Andy Conway led the chasing group, but after 4.5k I more or less ran the race by myself.

‘My second 5k was quicker. I felt so strong.’