Lamont Marshall did not have the legs to match the pace of the world-class middle-distance runners in last night’s 1,500 metres final at the Pan Am Games.

The 31-year-old was left trailing at the back of a field of fifteen at the CIBC Pan Am Athletics Stadium, finishing in a time of 4min 0.28sec, well below his personal best.

Marshall, who was competing in his first major international competition, appeared to be out of his depth in a field including two-times Olympians Andrew Wheating, of the United States, and Canada’s Nathan Brannen.

Wheating won the race in 3:41.41, with Brannen second in 3:41.66 and his compatriot Philibert-Thiboutot Charles third in 3:41.79.

“There was a move with about 600 to go and I just didn’t have the legs to go with them,” Marshall said.

“My breathing felt fine but the legs weren’t there. I’ve never been in a field with so many Olympians and I’ll just take it as a learning experience.”

Marshall said his preparations could have been slightly better and regrets not skipping the Appleby Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby and focusing on track instead.

“I was just trying to get my legs back from May 24,” said Marshall, who finished fifth in the 5,000 metres at last month’s NatWest Island Games in Jersey.

“It’s definitely difficult to get your speed back after doing such a long race on the road and hills.

“I’m just a different athlete after May 24 and in hindsight I should have probably skipped May 24 and been more track minded.

“That’s not an excuse, it’s just an observation. It’s not an exact science and I might have skipped May 24 and still had tired legs.”

Marshall’s final race of the season will be at next month’s Nacac Senior Championships in Costa Rica.

In action today for Bermuda will be Dominque Mayho and Zoenique Williams in the cycling road race in Ontario Place, as well as Patrick Nisbett and Jill Terceira in the show jumping medal round at the OLG Caledon Pan Equestrian.