CITY of Plymouth athlete Poppy Tank continued her good form in America by claiming victory in the 3,000m at the UC Riverside Spring Track Classic in California.

Tank, who is in her first year of studying at the University of Utah, clocked 9:51.52 to beat the meet record and 14 other athletes.

Second was her university team-mate Hannah McInturff, who finished in 9:53.97.

It was Tank’s first outdoor track meet for Utah.  In February, the former Plymouth College pupil did set a new 3,000m personal best of 9:39.88 at an indoor meet in Seattle.

Utah coach Kyle Kepler said: “Our 3K event isn’t a regular event we do in the outdoor season, but it is a good transition getting ready for the 5K event next weekend.

“Poppy and Hannah ran a really nice and controlled race. It came down to the last lap and it looked like Poppy had a little more left to give. I am proud of all three of these girls to get out there and get off to a great start to their outdoor seasons.”

Meanwhile, Tank’s club, City of Plymouth, start their outdoor track and field season this Sunday by holding their annual Spring Warm-Up Meet.

The event at Brickfields is open for all ages from under-eight (panthers) to veterans and also features para-events.

The competition starts at 11am and full details of the times and events available can be viewed HERE.