Jay Donawa cruised to victory in the XL Man on the Run 5K yesterday, but admitted that it was achieved with a heavy heart.

Donawa, 42, was always in control and crossed the finish line at Warwick Academy in 17min 5sec.

However, it was a win that had added significance for the May 24 stalwart after the recent death of Alvin Baker, his Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service colleague and former Hamilton Parish footballer.

Baker, whose funeral was held on Thursday, died suddenly aged 45. “For me, it was personal because we lost a colleague the other day in Alvin Baker,” Donawa said. “We laid him to rest on Thursday so my heart is still heavy — the win today I definitely dedicate to Alvin.

“I’m sure he would have been proud, so today is one of reflection. This is for him, for sure. He was a good guy, it was sad, so tragic, but to come out with a win is a fitting tribute.”

Seamus Fearon, 33, was runner-up, trailing Donawa by 47 seconds, with 45-year-old Christopher Harris third in 18:02. Neil de Ste Croix was fourth, clocking 18:38.

The race, which started and finished at the school’s entrance on Morgan Road, aims to raise awareness of male cancers, particularly prostrate, and is held in aid of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. Donawa did not need top gear after taking an early lead at Four Ways Inn before the course cut across to Harbour Road via Valley Road and looped back to the finish.

“It was very humid so once I got the lead I just sort of ran within myself,” he said. “This time of the year I’m not really training for anything specific so I just came out here looking to have a solid run.

“I’m surprised to win but when I looked around at the start line I didn’t see Chris Estwanik and a couple of the other [regular] guys and thought ‘maybe I’ll definitely try to win the Masters group’ but in the end I went out and it was pretty comfortable.”

Jayden Ming won the 11-14 age group held over 5km in 18:12, while Tommy Marshall was the 7-10 winner, clocking 9:34 in the 2km race.