Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby Finish Line Update
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby Committee announced that the iconic annual race will return to its traditional home at Bernard Park for the 2026 event, reinstating a long-valued finish location that holds deep cultural and community significance.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of operational logistics, runner experience, community feedback, and long-term planning priorities. Bernards Park emerged as the clear choice for 2026, providing the ideal blend of space, accessibility, and atmosphere to elevate the race experience for participants and spectators alike.
“Bernards Park is woven into the legacy of this event,” said Melissa Looby, Finish Line Experience Manager. “From the energy of the crowd to the ease of access for families, vendors, and support teams, especially medical personnel, returning to the Park allows us to enhance the finish-line experience while strengthening the community spirit that defines the Derby.” The return to Bernards Park will also reinstate the race route crossing spectators on Church Street, a welcome change for loyal race spectators.
The Committee noted that while alternative venues had been explored in recent years, Bernard Park continues to offer unmatched operational and cultural advantages - from its central location to its historic connection with Derby Day celebrations.
“The Half-Marathon Derby is about Bermudians coming together,” added Dr. Gina Tucker, Derby President. “Bringing the finish back to Bernard Park aligns us with that legacy and opens the door for new enhancements that honour the past while building for the future. We look forward to continuing with our commitment to continuously enhancing the race experience. ”
Further details about the 2026 Bermuda Half Marathon Derby - including route confirmations, registration dates, and new athlete experience initiatives - will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Hannover Re Half Marathon & Saltus 5K Round-Ups
Mbelenzi & Dore
IslandStats.com
Mbelenzi and Dore Crowned Champions at Hannover Re Half Marathon
Dennis Mbelenzi and Marie Dore clinched the male and female titles respectively at the 2025 Hannover Re Half Marathon, following a demanding race that started and finished at John Smith's Bay.
Dennis Mbelenzi put in a commanding performance to secure the men's championship, clocking an impressive winning time of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 14 seconds (1:12:14).
Mbelenzi was in a class of his own, finishing over four and a half minutes ahead of the nearest competitor. Sean Trott crossed the line in second place with a time of 1:16:49, while Kallan Richardson completed the podium, finishing third in 1:19:22. Mbelenzi's decisive margin underscored his dominance on the day.
The women's race proved to be a tighter affair at the top. Marie Dore was crowned the female champion, becoming the eighth runner overall to cross the line with a winning time of 1:31:21.
Dore had to withstand a strong and persistent challenge from the second female finisher, Teresa Ruiz. Ruiz, the ninth runner to cross the line overall, finished just 38 seconds behind Dore, clocking 1:31:59. Stepanka Sprincova finished as the third female runner, placing 16th overall with a time of 1:37:22.
The event, starting and finishing at the scenic John Smith's Bay, provided a stern test for all competitors, with Mbelenzi and Dore emerging as the deserving champions.
Dylan Eiselt and Brooklyn Myers were crowned the male and female champions respectively at the 2025 Saltus 5K Road Race, which started and finished on the St. John's Road Campus Field.
Dylan Eiselt put in a commanding performance to secure the men's title, covering the 5-kilometre distance in a winning time of 18 minutes and 33 seconds (18:33).
Eiselt's pace saw him finish well clear of the rest of the field. Jarred Jones claimed the runner-up spot with a time of 20:18, while Carter Moura completed the men's podium, crossing the line third in 20:23.
In the women's category, Brooklyn Myers was the undisputed champion, finishing as the sixth runner overall with a strong winning time of 21:57.
Myers successfully held off the competition to secure her victory. The second female finisher, P. Forster, was the 16th runner across the line, clocking 25:18. Rounding out the women's podium was Rama Saleh, who was the 19th runner overall, finishing with a time of 26:00.
The event marked a successful day of road racing, with both champions setting impressive times on the St. John's Road Campus course.
Marshall Clocks Blazing Time at Philadelphia Half Marathon
IslandStats.com
Bermudian distance runner Lamont Marshall has opened his competitive season in emphatic style, recording a lightning-fast time of 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 19 seconds (1:11:19) at the Dietz & Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon this morning.
Marshall's blistering pace not only set a strong marker for his season ahead but also saw him dominate his Age Group, claiming the Masters Division victory. His time was quick enough to secure an impressive 9th place finish overall in the competitive Open Division field.
The race course itself provided a scenic, albeit challenging, backdrop for the runners, starting along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the city's cultural Museum District.
The route winds through Philadelphia’s most scenic and historic neighbourhoods, offering competitors a journey through the city's diverse landscapes.,
Marshall's performance demonstrates he is already in top form as he targets his major objectives for the coming year. His 1:11:19 finish is a major early-season statement.
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Bermuda Pacers Shine at USA Cross Country Championships
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Pacers Track Club delivered a series of outstanding performances at the 2025 Cross Country Coaches National Youth Championships held in Knoxville, Tennessee, with several young athletes achieving top finishes against strong international competition.
The standout performance of the day came from Naomi MacGuinness in the Girls 3k Run (11-12 division). MacGuinness ran a sensational race to claim the second-place spot on the podium, clocking an impressive time of 11:08.14. Her result was the highest placement for the Bermudian contingent.
The Boys 5k Run (15-18 division) saw two Bermuda Pacers athletes secure crucial top-ten finishes. Gianluca Bortoli led the pair, finishing ninth overall with a strong time of 17:25.58. Just behind him, Sanchez Smith came in tenth place, running 17:26.37. Tobia Goodchild also competed in the same race, finishing 28th with a time of 18:53.81, ensuring a solid team effort.
In the youngest division competing, Elliott Davidge showed great promise in the Boys 2k Run (6-8), securing a top-ten finish by coming home in tenth place with a time of 7:50.20.
The Girls 5k Run (15-18) saw determined efforts from the Bermudian runners, with Jaeda Grant placing 23rd (23:17.75) and Azari Jones finishing 45th (24:00.57).
The Girls 4k Run (13-14) was a tightly packed finish for the Pacers, with Elena Bortoli leading the group in 25th place (17:10.75), followed closely by Zara Bule in 28th (17:23.53), and Riana Robinson in 29th (17:18.02). Meanwhile, in the Boys 4k Run (13-14), Spencer Halderman finished 25th with a time of 15:13.07.
The results confirm the growing talent within the Bermuda Pacers Track Club and promise an exciting future for distance running on the island.
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Pacers Heading to Tennessee Championships
IslandStats.com
This weekend the Bermuda Pacers Track Club will continue to promote their club’s overseas experiences as they compete in the 2025 Cross Country Coaches National Youth Championships in Knoxville Tennessee.
The 12-member team will compete in 7 Individual Age Groups from the 8 and under Boys' Division to the 17-18 Girls’ Division.
Last year’s event attracted over 1800 cross country runners competing in 18 Divisions from all over the United States.
The team will be led by distance runners Gianluco Bortoli , Tobiah Goodchild both will compete in the Boys 15-16 Division. While Jeada Grant and Azari Jones will compete in the 17-18, & 15-16 Girls’ Divisions respectively.
The Boys will run in a 5 K race, and Girls will compete in a 4 K race. The club has also invited DNA distance runner Stanchez Smith to join the team. Smith will compete in the 15-16 Boys’ Division and run in the 5 K event.
Other members of the team consist of distance runners Riana Robinson, Elena Bortoli, Zara Bule, Ronan Davidge, Spencer Halderman and Naomi MacGuinness. Robinson, Bortoli, Bule Davidge and Halderman will compete in the 13-14 Boys and Girls’ division and run 3 k and 4 K respectively while MacGuinness will compete in the 11-12 Girl’s Division running a 3k.
The youngest member of the team is Elliott Davidge. Davidge will compete in the 8 and under Boy’s Division and run a 2-k race.
