National 8K road race record holder Lamont Marshall has smashed his best for the distance in a high quality event in Virginia.

Marshall currently holds three national records, but that could soon be four if his latest performance, which was set on a point-to-point course in Richmond last weekend, is recognised by Bermuda Track and Field Association.

In a large race field, with 3,743 finishers, the 26-year-old Devonshire athlete came home 10th overall in 24 minutes 46 seconds. That time was way ahead of his current national 8K record, set in last year's Bacardi 8K, where he ran 25.25.

The Bacardi race is a loop course, starting and finishing at the same place. Bermuda does not presently have a recognised national record for a point-to-point 8K.

Runners in the HCA Virginia 8K faced testing conditions as the temperature dropped to around 33 degrees on race day.

Marshall's father Larry Marshall sr, said the pre-race target had been to run close to 24-and-a-half minutes, but the colder than expected conditions put paid to that ambition. However, Marshall kept in contention at the sharp end of the field and was rewarded with a stunning personal best.

The race was won by Daniel Kipkoech in 23.07.

Marshall is the three-time, undefeated Bacardi 8K champion, but will miss the event for the first time this Sunday as he is not expected to return to the Island in time to compete.

¦ Today is the last day for online entries for the Bacardi 8K. To enter, go to www.bermudatiming.bm