Women’s race wide open in absence of top names

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A new women’s Labour Day 5K Road Race champion will be crowned this year.

Deon Breary was the top women’s runner in last year’s race after storming to victory in a time of 33 minutes and 45 seconds.

However, the former Bermuda Day Half Marathon champion has opted not to defend her title this year.

“I’m not doing the race this year,” Breary confirmed. “I’ve decided not to run the race this year because it’s too hot.”

Other top women runners opting not to compete in Monday’s race are reigning Bermuda Day Half Marathon champion Ashley Estwanik and Jennifer Alen.

Rosana Hoey is among the favourites to win the women’s title this year while veteran Victoria Fiddick could also mount a strong challenge should she decide to show up on the day.

Meanwhile, back to defend his men’s title this year is Sean Trott.

The top middle distance runner is a strong favourite to claim top honours in the season opening race that starts and ends outside of BIU headquarters on Union Street.

Trott stormed to victory last year in a time of 26 minutes and 48 seconds which was nearly a minute slower than his personal best (25.59) over the distance.

The affable athlete is heading into Monday’s race in pretty good shape.

“I’m feeling good and been having real consistent good training since mid-July,” Trott said. “I took a little break after running in Mexico earlier this summer and I got right back and I’m feeling good about Monday.”

Trott competed at this summer’s NACAC Under 23 Championships in Guanajuato where he placed fifth in the 10,000 meters, covering the distance in 33 minutes and 24 seconds running on the track at an altitude of 7,000 feet.

Missing from the men’s field is reigning Bermuda Day Half Marathon champion Chris Estwanik while the likes of Chayce Smith and Lamont Marshall remain doubtful.

“I really don’t know who else is going to be out there,” Trott said. “I’m just looking to defend no matter who comes.”

If all goes accordingly Trott hopes to run as fast as he did in last year’s Labour Day 5K Road Race.

“I would like to get as close as I possibly can to my time from last year if not under,” he said. “It’s an earlier start (8:30am) this year so that could definitely help with less heat.”

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