Ryan Outerbridge got the new indoor season off to a perfect start when setting a personal-best time in the 5,000 metres.

Outerbridge built on an encouraging sixth in Butterfield Mile when winning the Plymouth Panther Classic for Franklin Pierce University in a time of 15min 15.59sec, finishing nearly five seconds ahead of runner-up Sebastien Vicary.

That time slashed nearly 15 seconds off his previous best of 15:30.14, which was set outdoors last season.

“It has been the perfect start to the season for me,” said 20-year-old Outerbridge, who was confident of being ahead of his record pace during the race.

“Starting off the year with a good performance in the Front Street Mile against elite competition definitely gave me the confidence to open my indoor season with a victory in the 5,000m and setting a new personal-best time.

“I definitely knew I was in shape to run a new PB and going into the race my coach told my team-mate and I to aim for around 15:10 to 15:15. I’ll definitely be looking to get under 15 minutes next time I compete over the distance.”

Outerbridge will attempt to continue his fine recent form when he turns his attention back to a mile on Friday in the John Thomas Terrier Classic, hosted by Boston University, as he builds up to Conference competition next month.

“I’ll be competing in the mile at Boston University at the end of this week and so hopefully I can have another strong performance to lead into the New Englands [Northeast-10 Championships] and Conferences in three weeks’ time.

“Hopefully I will be able to perform well for my team at Conferences and then I’ll be turning my focus to the start of the outdoor season.”