The mid-February road racing season returned after some high winds and rain postponed a previous race, as Dennis Mbelenzi and Estienne Coetzee were crowned the 2026 Ludwig Cann 10K male and female champions.
On a course known for its demanding undulations, both athletes delivered clinical performances to secure their respective titles in convincing fashion.
Mbelenzi was the class of the field in the men's race, asserting his dominance early on. He crossed the finish line in a swift 33:59, maintaining a gap that his closest rivals struggled to bridge. Kallan Richardson produced a battling display to take the runner-up spot, clocking 34:36, while Philip Woollins completed the podium with a solid time of 36:51.
The women’s race was a testament to depth and endurance, with Estienne Coetzee leading the way. Coetzee’s tactical race saw her finish as the 11th runner overall, stopping the clock in an impressive 39:33. The fight for the remaining podium places was a closely contested affair; Teresa Ruiz secured second place (14th overall) in 40:08, finishing just twenty seconds clear of Stepanka Sprincova, who rounded out the top three with a time of 40:28.
The victory for Mbelenzi marks another successful outing in what has been a prolific start to the 2026 calendar, while Coetzee's performance reinforces her status as one of the island's most consistent distance runners. As the local running community looks ahead to the spring schedule, the results at the Ludwig Cann 10K set a high bar for the competitive months to come.
BNAA Launch ‘Kids’ Athletics Fun Festival’ to Get Island Moving
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda National Athletics Association (BNAA) has announced the launch of the Kids' Athletics Fun Festival, a new initiative aimed at encouraging physical activity and grassroots development among the island's youth.
The event is set to take place on Saturday, February 28th, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Whitney Institute Middle School. Designed to be inclusive of all abilities and experience levels, the festival focuses on a simple but vital goal: getting children active while building confidence in a high-energy, fun-filled environment.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the BNAA is placing a renewed emphasis on the importance of movement. This action-packed session is specifically designed to keep children engaged while developing what the association calls "FUNdamental movement skills"—the building blocks that form the foundation for all sporting disciplines.
The programme moves away from rigid competition, instead focusing on the joy of participation. By introducing these skills early, the BNAA hopes to foster a lifelong love for sport and health among the next generation of Bermudian athletes.
The two-hour session will see children rotate through a variety of exciting, circuit-based activities tailored to challenge and entertain. Participants can expect a diverse range of tasks, including:
Obstacle Courses: Running over and under hurdles to improve agility. Power Jumps: Developing explosive strength and coordination. Distance Throwing: Building upper body mechanics and accuracy. Team Relays: Fostering cooperation through mixed obstacle races with friends.
Every activity within the festival has been curated to ensure that children not only build physical skills but also experience a boost in self-esteem. By focusing on "smiles as wide as the track," the BNAA aims to create a welcoming entry point for those who may not yet be involved in organised sports.
With the Whitney Institute Middle School providing the backdrop for this community-led event, the association is calling on parents to bring their children along for an afternoon of movement that celebrates the pure fun of athletics.
29 Years of ‘Magic’ as Youth Stars Prepare for Stadium
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s most anticipated youth running event, the Skyport Magic Mile, is set to return for its 29th year, continuing a legacy of athletic excellence and community pride that has shaped generations of the island's young people.
The event will take place on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at the Flora Duffy South Field Stadium. This year’s programme promises more than just racing, with race-day warm-ups led by Mr. Fotogenik and a performance by the PHC Majorettes.
Skyport enters its seventh year as the title sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing Bermuda’s next generation. During the official press conference at the National Sports Centre, Ciara Eve, Head of Brand Development & Communications at Skyport, highlighted the event's holistic impact.
"The Magic Mile represents so much of what we care deeply about: supporting our young people in sport, in education, and in their overall well-being," Eve said. "This event gives our young athletes a chance to shine and to feel the full support of their community behind them."
The Magic Mile has evolved into a full-scale community festival, bolstered by a network of local partners dedicated to creating a family-friendly environment: Security Associates: Will once again host the Kid Zone, ensuring a safe space for families to play while supporting the "seeds of our future track stars," according to COO Kareem Richardson. SOL Petroleum Bermuda: Retail Sales Executive Che Barker described the event as a "celebration of connection" that fuels the spirit of unity across the island. BermudAir: Head of PR Leanna Lambert—who herself ran the Magic Mile at age four—emphasized the airline's role in supporting experiences that shape the next generation.
Founded and organized by the Bermuda Pacers Track Club, the event remains a vital fundraiser to help young athletes compete on the international stage. Co-Race Director and Head Coach Cal Simons continues to champion the development of local talent, with the club now in its 45th year of operation.
Representing the current cohort of athletes, 9-year-old Giselle Reid-Rubaine offered a simple message to her peers: “If you are thinking about running, you should definitely sign up. Come out, support the event, and have fun!”
Thursday, February 05, 2026
Saltus Sweep Titles in Dominant Cross-Country Display
IslandStats.com
Saltus Grammar School have asserted their authority on the local youth running scene, delivering a masterclass in endurance to dominate the Primary School Cross-Country Championships at the National Sports Centre.
In a statement of intent from the opening whistle, Saltus claimed both the overall girls' and overall boys' titles, securing the overall championship trophy with an emphatic score of 160 points. Warwick Academy trailed in a distant second with 388 points, while Somersfield Academy completed the podium in third with a total of 707.
The Saltus boys enjoyed a particularly commanding afternoon, amassing just 54 points to secure the overall boys' division title. Warwick Academy followed in second with 183 points, and Somersfield Academy took third with 323.
The Saltus girls proved equally formidable, tallying 101 points to clinch their victory. Bermuda High School (BHS) put up a spirited fight to finish second with 125 points, while Warwick Academy settled for third with 205.
Vivienne Fox of BHS ignited the day’s action with a clinical performance in the Under-9 Girls race, crossing the line first in 9:23. Despite the individual win for BHS, Saltus showcased their depth as Halo Lowe (9:36) and Indigo Kemp (9:46) secured the second and third spots, respectively. This pack-running strategy handed Saltus the Under-9 Girls team title with 56 points.
UNDER 9 GIRLS
Vivienne Fox – BHS Halo Lowe – SAL Indigo Kemp – SAL Cai’Z Dill-Seymour – SP Koi Simmons – MSA Esha Grainger – SAL Ramyah Swan – ES Neve Adolph – WA Yara Robinson – WA Nea Fosker – BHS
The Under-9 Boys race was a sea of Saltus red, as the school placed five runners in the top seven spots. Elliot Davidge led the charge to win in 8:38, followed closely by teammate Jamie Kane in 8:46. Kanzo Thompson of Dalton E. Tucker broke the Saltus stranglehold to claim the bronze medal in 9:04.
UNDER 9 BOY’S
Elliot Davidge - SAL Jamie Kane – SAL Kanzo Thompson – DET Koa Bean – FP Cater Anderson – SAL Brooklyn Emery – SAL Rory Mcleod – SAL Shannon Grimes-Jennings – HS Addis Smith – HS Christopher Wheatley - WA UNDER 9 BOYS TEAM
Saltus Grammar - 21 Warwick Academy – 91 Francis Patton – 120
While Saltus dominated the overall standings, Warwick Academy found their stride in the Over-9 Girls division. Although Saltus’ Diamond Morris took the individual gold in 10:43 and teammate Naomi Nusum finished third (11:03), Warwick’s collective strength was undeniable. Led by Freya Dunkle in second place (10:44), Warwick placed five runners in the top ten to secure the divisional team title with 33 points.
OVER 9 GIRLS
Diamond Morris – SAL Freya Dunkle – WA Naomi Nusum – SAL Kamari Brooks-Gibbons- WA Parker Howard – BHS Giselle Reid-Rubaine – HS Nola Thatcher – BHS Esme Jansma – WA Liliana Corbett – WA Hazel Richards – WA OVER 9 GIRLS TEAM
Warwick Academy – 33 Saltus Grammar – 45 BHS – 59
In the Over-9 Boys division, Saltus returned to the top of the podium. Nolan Horrobin produced an impressive solo run to win the race, holding off a challenge from Jacob Butterfield of Port Royal Primary. Heath Kempe completed the podium for Saltus, who once again secured the team title with 38 points.
OVER 9 BOYS
Nolan Horrobin – SAL Jacob Butterfield – PR Heath Kempe – SAL Roman Bather – PR Emilio Roberts-Pitcher – STG Tru Dillas – NOR Levi Mello – WA Karter Riley – WP Trevor Mills – SOM Josh Cann – SAL
OVER 9 BOYS TEAM
Saltus Grammar – 38 Warwick Academy – 92 Somersfield Academy – 106
Wednesday, February 04, 2026
Warwick Academy Middle School Cross Country Champions
IslandStats.com
Warwick Academy won their second Cross Country Championship in two days after winning the Middle School Cross Country title at the Arboretum.
Warwick were crowned overall champions with a score of 165 points. Saltus Grammar School finished second with 197 while the Whitney Institute Middle School rounded out the top three with 496 points.
Warwick Academy also won the overall girls title with 77 points. Saltus again finished second with 108 points with Bermuda High School scoring 126 to finish third. Warwick and Saltus both scored 88 points to share the Overall Boys title. Whitney finished third with 217 points.
Warwick Academy’s Colette Durkin won the Under 13 Girls race comfortably in 13:25. Piper Howard from BHS finished second in 13:46 with Madeline Friend from Saltus finishing third in 14:07. Warwick Academy won the team division prize with 41 points.
Sebastian Owen won the Under 13 Boys race in a time of 12:28. The Warwick Academy runner was followed by a trio of Saltus runners with Adrian Myers claiming silver in 12:31, Elliot Simons bronze in 12:35.
Nicholas Gomez Caines put a halt to Warwick Academy’s winning streak when he cruised to victory in the Over 13 Boys Division. The Sandys Secondary Middle School runner powered his way to victory in 11:28. Saltus Grammar School’s Spencer Halderman finished in second with a time of 11:49. Halderman pipped Warwick Academy runner Dage Butterfield at the line by one second.
UNDER 13 GIRLS
1.Colette Durkin – WA 2. Piper Howard – BHS 3. Madeline Friend - SAL 4. Iris Duda - WA 5. Yara Muhammad - SAN 6. Kierra Broadley-Samuels – SAL 7. Zaya Cann-Berkeley - SAN 8. Caroline Smatt - WA 9. Peggy Forster - SAL 10. Charleigh Gilchrist - SAL
UNDER 13 GIRLS TEAM
Warwick Academy – 41 Saltus Grammar – 42 BHS – 78
UNDER 13 BOYS
1. Sebastian Owen - WA 2. Adrian Myers – SAL 3. Elliot Simons – SAL 4. Liam Horrobin - SAL 5. Lucas Fereira - DELL 6. Antoine Whitter – WI 7. Maxwell Williams - WA 8. Shiloh Stevens - SOM 9. Leo Heyland - SOM 10. Isaac Wookey – WA
UNDER 13 BOYS TEAM
Saltus Grammar – 37 Warwick Academy – 45 The Whitney Institute – 115
OVER 13 GIRLS
1. Elena Bortoli - WA 2. Harper Franklin - BHS 3. Lorin Roopra - WA 4. Zara Bule – SAL 5. Zooey de los Santos – BHS 6. Sydney Pethick – SAL 7. Kyra Simmons - MSA 8. Leslie Terceira – WA 9. Phoenix Williams - MSA 10. Theodora West-Kraunz – WA
OVER 13 GIRLS TEAM
Warwick Academy – 36 BHS – 48 Saltus Grammar – 66
OVER 13 BOYS
1. Nicholas Gomez Caines – SAN 2. Spencer Halderman – SAL 3. Dage Butterfield - WA 4. Hasim Ming – WI 5. Ethan Smith - WA 6. Julian Caisey – BI 7. Caleb Mello - WA 8. Ronan Davidge - SAL 9. Cairo Burgess – SOM 10. Xonti Burch – SAL
OVER 13 BOYS TEAM
Warwick Academy – 43 Saltus Grammar – 51 The Whitney Institute – 102
