PAUL Fernandez recorded the tenth fastest 50km time in British history when winning the Anglo-Celtic Plate at North Inch Park, Perth, Scotland.

The Abingdon Amblers ultra marathon specialist stormed to victory by more than 17 minutes, completing the course in 3hrs 4mins 7secs.

His repeated efforts over the 21-lap course gave Fernandez a personal best by four and a half minutes.

“I managed to keep all my laps below nine minutes,” he said.

“By lap 15 I think I had lapped everyone in the race at least once.

“I went through the marathon-split in just under 2.35 and then managed to speed up for the last few laps to finish the 50km in 3.04.07.

“This was a pb for me and the tenth fastest time in history for a British athlete – so I was quite pleased with the run.”

Second-placed Andrew Murray clocked 3.21.45 to take the Scottish 50km title.

Fernandez added: “I won trophies for first overall and first vet 35.

“Both came with an Easter egg which I shared with my family, who had accompanied me on this relaxing holiday to Scotland.”

The Radley College teacher will now prepare for the Highland Fling on April 27 – a 53-mile trail race along the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Tyndrum.

This is the Great Britain trial for the IAU World Trail Championships, which take place in Anglesey on Saturday, July 6.

“It is going to be a hard task, and then will decide after that, what I do in the next few months,” said Fernandez, who trained on the Highland Fling course yesterday.