Bain in fine form for his ‘record’ attempt

Bain showcased his form with a quick 4min. 27sec. in a creative virtual inter-insular event that saw nearly 70 runners performing solo time trials over the distance.

The 17-year-old breezed along the proven Vazon Mile route to share the lead with Jersey rival James Faudemer, leaving Alex Rowe third quickest at 4-29 and the returning Will Bodkin fourth, another second back.

Fellow Guernseymen Ed Mason, Luke Williams and James Priest also cracked 4-40.

But few runners excelled to the extent of top woman Jenny James and her breakthrough 4-58.

James' run narrowed the gap on Guernsey's all-time top trio for the distance, while 15-year-old Summer Woodhead took event runner-up at 5-15 and the quickly-improving Rosie Williams followed with 5-29.

‘I’m very happy with the time, particularly as it was a solo effort, but I feel like there’s still room for some improvement to be made ready for the BMC Bannister mile,’ said Bain afterwards.

Bain will join several other middle-distance prospects such as Rowe, Bodkin and Sam Lesley and they have until Wednesday, the 66th anniversary of Roger Bannister’s trailblazing sub-4min. run, to record their performance.

Bain will not be seeking to emulate Bannister’s historic feat but instead targeting the Guernsey U20 road mile record of 4-25, held by another ‘RB’ – Bath University student Richard Bartram.

‘That should hopefully be achievable, albeit unofficially,’ added Bain.

‘Virtual racing has been really successful at not only motivating athletes through friendly competition but perhaps more importantly, helping maintain a strong community spirit amongst a huge array of runners, which has been great to be a part of.’

n The inter-insular action continued over five miles last weekend.

More to follow.