Frisby track star Mari Smith lowers PB at Loughborough International

Frisby athlete Mari Smith put aside a tough academic schedule to lower her 1500m personal best yet again on Sunday at the prestigious Loughborough International.

Mari was selected to represent the British Universities (BUCS) squad against teams from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, GB Juniors and Loughborough Students past and present.

Mari Smith (left) with winner Jess Judd (centre) and bronze medallist Steph Pennycock EMN-160305-165554002

placeholder image — Mari Smith (left) with winner Jess Judd (centre) and bronze medallist Steph Pennycock EMN-160305-165554002

She battled well in a tough race won by BUCS indoor champion Sarah McDonald from European junior champion and GB cross country team-mate Bobby Clay.

Mari, who is in the middle of an exhausting schedule of exams and training, looked a little jaded, but her combative qualities came to the fore.

She was rewarded with her third personal best of the year over the distance, lowering it to 4min 24.85secs, eight seconds quicker than her PB at the start of the track season.

Following her final exams this week, she is now looking forward to racing at Watford at the weekend in the BMC Grand Prix.