Kiwi runner Kimberley Smith has smashed her own New Zealand 10000 metres record at a meet in California.

Smith's taken a massive 45 seconds off the old mark at the Payton Jordan Cardinal event in California, finishing second in 30 minutes, 35.54 seconds.

It's the second fastest time in the event since 2006 with American Shalane Flanagan finishing first.

She confirmed that her coach thought it'd be a good idea to do the race given her workouts have been going so well.

Smith conceded that she traded the lead with Flanagan to get the most out of the race.

Smith is considered a medal contender at the Beijing Games - a New Zealand woman hasn't had a medal on the track at the Olympics since Marise Chamberlain in the 800 metres at Tokyo 1964.

TVNZ is the official broadcast and internet partner for the 2008 Beijing Olympics