Chris Estwanik’s bid for a sixth Appleby Bermuda Day Half Marathon title will have to wait at least another year.

Estwanik is unable to take part in next month’s 13.1 mile race because of an injury he suffered several weeks ago while running on the railway trail in Paget.

“I can confirm that I have injured myself and unfortunately will not be able to participate in this year’s Bermuda Day Half Marathon,” Estwanik said.

“While jumping one of the low railway trail barriers a few weeks ago I landed awkwardly and have suffered a fracture in my sacrum, which is a bone near the base of my spine.”

It is the second consecutive year that Estwanik has been ruled out of the race through injury.

A torn tendon in his right knee forced him out of last year’s event and dashed his hopes of achieving a record sixth straight title.

“I have been around running for long enough to know that injuries are part of the risk every athlete takes when competing and pushing one’s body to the limit,” Estwanik added.

“I was very happy to have, not only come back from a tough injury at this time last year, but to have also been running at a higher level than before over longer distances.

“My training prior to the mishap had been going really well and I was very much on target to compete at my highest level in the half marathon derby as well as a full marathon that I was set to run in June. Unfortunately, barring a change in opinion from my doctor and physiotherapist, I will not be competing in either race.”

Estwanik admits missing out on the annual spectacle for another year is a bitter pill to swallow.

“I feel very fortunate to have experienced the thrill of winning the Bermuda Day Half Marathon all five times that I have actually made it to the start line in Somerset and am very disappointed that, for the second year, I will not be competing in this year’s race,” he said. “Much like our defending champion Tyler Butterfield has been telling the world lately, Bermuda at large and my experiences here continue to be a huge motivator for me in my training.

“This, coupled with the support of far too many people to name here, will continue to motivate me on my road to recovery as I still have very lofty running goals to achieve over the next few years.

“I would like to offer my sincerest best wishes to all the competitors who are running this year, and will be cheering you all on loudly from the sidelines.”

In Estwanik’s absence last year, Tyler Butterfield, the professional triathlete, won a maiden May 24 title.