ELLIE Stevens has warmed up for her 3000m race at the Aviva Indoor UK Championships tomorrow by running a lifetime best for the distance – in a road race.

Stevens travelled to Northern Ireland to take part in the Armagh Women's 3K for the fourth time on Thursday.

The race is run through parkland in the Ulster city and she rates it as one of her favourite venues – but it would not normally be the circumstances in which to run a personal best.

Stevens came third in the race, behind Yorkshire runner Lizzie Adams and American visitor Sarah Porter, clocking nine minutes 29 seconds, two seconds faster than her previous best.

The time astonished her.

"How do I explain that one – it's madness," said the 27-year-old Derby girl, who runs for Birchfield Harriers.

"I've come third behind a Commonwealth mountain running champion and a USA international on the road, in pouring rain.

"It was windy and it was over three laps with a hill in it – yet I've run a PB!

"Hopefully, it means there's more to come on the track and I can't wait to run."

Meanwhile, Derby hurdles prospect Yasmin Miller could find herself up against Britain's multi-event superstar, Jessica Ennis, at the championships tomorrow.

Miller, still only 16, is being pitched in with the seniors for the experience after running fast times both over the hurdles and on the 60m flat track so far this winter.

Her coach, Jared Deacon, said: "We thought it would be good experience and Yasmin will be competitive with the seniors.

"I wouldn't put her in something that was out of her depth but it will be a big test for her nerve.

"She has gone well and run a fast 60m on the flat but her hurdles needs to move on this weekend and get a bit faster than it has so far this year."

Derby triple jumper Naomi Reid is due in action today at the championships.

Reid has a major target this year, aiming to qualify for the World Junior (under-20) Championships in Barcelona in June, which will necessitate a qualifying jump of 13.20m. Reid's personal best currently stands at 12.79.

Multi-eventer David Feeney, from Belper, will also be in action over the hurdles in Sheffield.

● SHELTON Strider Allan Barber braved the snow to take part in the 14-mile Charnwood Hills Fell Race – the only one of its type held race in Leicestershire – and came home with the over-60 prize after completing the course in two hours, 37 minutes.

Fellow Striders Dave Keegan (2.47) and Sandra Butcher (2.55) also took part.