Rose-Anna Hoey, the women’s defending champion in the Appleby Bermuda Half Marathon Derby, has ruled herself out of contention for top honours this year.

Hoey sent shock waves through the running community after defeating three-times winner and training partner Ashley Estwanik to capture a maiden May 24 crown last year.

But she said that there will be no repeat performance this year, having undergone surgery after giving birth to a son nearly three months ago, which left her with insufficient time get herself back in the shape required to be a contender.

“I only got back running about six weeks ago so my preparations have not been ideal,” Hoey said. “I am under-trained, to say the very least.

“I am getting some speed back but have not been strong in my endurance training. I did a 12-mile run at home in Ireland in perfect conditions and let’s just say it was not pretty. I will be very pleased just to finish.”

Hoey is backing last year’s runner up Estwanik to win this year’s 13.1-mile race.

“Naturally, I think Ashley will win,” she said. “She has run fabulously all year and deserves a good race after the tough day at the office she had last year.”

Former winner Deon Breary, who ran a personal best in March’s New York Half Marathon, is another top contender in the women’s field this year.

Missing this year are former champion, Victoria Fiddick, who underwent knee surgery three weeks ago, and Jennifer Alen, who has opted not to compete this year.

“I had a few setbacks this season and I am not feeling strong enough to run,” Alen said.

Meanwhile, on the men’s front, back to defend his title is professional triathlete Tyler Butterfield who claimed a maiden win in convincing fashion last year.

With Chris Estwanik, the five-times champion, ruled out for the second straight year through injury, Butterfield is the firm favourite to win.

But he knows victory is not guaranteed in a field that also boasts the likes of Jay Donawa, Stephen Allen and Chayce Smith.

“There is always good competition as every one knows it is a great race to perform at your best,” Butterfield said. “That is my goal for the day. I would just like to run the best I can with the fitness I bring to the start line — I can’t ask for anything more.”

The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon champion is among the many runners competing for charity this year.

“I want to thank all the runners that are running for a charity or cause,” Butterfield said. “My family and I are running for Race for Change and the Cornerstone Foundation. But I know there are many charities people are running for.

“It is amazing the support and pledges that people are willing to donate.

“Bermuda is a very special place and I want to thank the people that donated to the runners.

“I wish everyone running an enjoyable run and also to those not running happy Bermuda Day!”

For the first time Butterfield and wife Nikki will be competing in the annual spectacle together.

“I am excited to have Nikki running the Derby as it is the best race to be part of in Bermuda,” Tyler said. “It is a fun day, a special event, the crowds are always so supportive and I am glad Nikki will get to experience it.”

Echoing her husband’s sentiments, professional triathlete Nikki added: “I am so excited to race, it is such a big part of Bermuda culture.

“I saw Tyler back in 2002 run when we just started dating, so for me it has been 12 years of being interested in the race, and I am just grateful that I finally have the chance to be able to take part. So I am thankful to everybody that was part of allowing me to be included.”

Gina Tucker, the Bermuda Half Marathon Committee chairperson, confirmed yesterday that the former ITU under-23 world champion is eligible to compete after doubts had been raised earlier in the week over her eligibility.

Monday’s race, which begins outside of Springfield in Somerset and concludes at Bernard’s Park in Pembroke, gets underway at 9am.

n Teachers Rugby Football Club members will lace up their running shoes to support the family of the late Devrae Noel-Simmons.

“It is our desire to support Dante’s education costs as the family adjusts to such a significant loss,” Bill McNiven, the organiser, said.

Teachers members have run in the half-marathon since 2006 and have raised more than $125,000 through corporate and individual donations to support local charities and people in need.

“More than 20 members of the Teachers Rugby Football Club community have committed to running on May 26,” McNiven added. “We have been training since April and are looking forward to another successful effort.”

Race entries, page 20