Liam Roarty marked his final appearance in a Sunderland University vest with a new 1500m PB at the BUCS Championships in Bedford on Saturday.

Running in a highly competitive first heat of six on Saturday morning, at a time when most students are still dead to the world, Roarty followed the sharp early pace and clung on to shave nearly five seconds from his previous best with 4:22.44. It may not have been enough to progress to the semi-finals, but for a first competitive track outing of the summer, the big improvement hints at further success as the season progresses.

“It was a very hard race, with a strong field.” Liam said. “I’m happy with the time but a bit disappointed I didn’t get a few places higher. There’s a lot more to come in the next few weeks,”