BEN Cole reckons a successful summer lies ahead after an impressive run in the England 10k Championships in Brighton.

The Swindon Harrier jumped straight to the top of the Wiltshire 10k rankings after clocking a sparkling time of 30mins 16secs – the second fastest of his career.

That run comes just a month after a personal best of 66:53 in the Vitality Big Half Marathon in London, putting him fifth in the South West, so Cole is certainly enjoying a terrific spell of form.

“It was mixed feelings afterwards in Brighton as I was only three seconds off my personal best,but of course you only see the clock on the finish line when you are in the last 100 metres and it is too late by then to go any harder,” said Cole.

“But looking back at it now, I am very pleased with that effort. Two weeks ago, I ran 30 seconds slower in the Cardiff 10k, so to improve that much is pleasing. I’ll take that.”

In a very strong field of British runners Cole judged his effort to perfection reaching halfway in 15:07, and maintaining his form superbly in the second half despite tiring legs.

“Conditions were pretty ideal early on Sunday morning and it was only later that the wind picked up,” added Cole.

Amazingly, Cole’s time was only good enough to place him 23rd overall, underlining the claim of the organisers to be one of the best 10k road races in the country.

No wonder Cole’s confidence is high and he cannot wait to attack one of his big ambitions this summer.

“The goal is definitely to run under 30 minutes for 10k,” said Cole.

“A little extra push on now then find the right race and if all goes well then I think it is definitely a possibility.

"I have got a few big events lined up but for now it is back to some serious training before I return to racing.”