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Harris and Mello lead local charge

Great turnout: Harris claimed victory in the local men’s 10K (Photograph by Lawrence Trott)

Chris Harris took local male honours in Saturday’s 10K, clocking 36min 26.16sec while Bermuda Half Triangle Challenge competitor Catherine Mello was the first women’s finisher.

Harris was pleased with his performance in near perfect conditions.

“Yes, the conditions were spectacular, and the crowd support [was] as well,” Harris said.

“It’s nice to see such a turnout and thanks to all the sponsors for putting this on. It really is a great weekend for Bermuda. I did the Front Street and the 10K today, but nothing tomorrow. I’ll take a day of rest.”

Harris was also first among the 40-and-over local men in Friday’s mile, finishing in 5:00.46. Less than 12 hours later he claimed another victory.

“I feel good, I felt a little old after the mile ended late last night, but my kids spurred me on to get out here today so I figured I’d give it a shot,” he said.

“I didn’t really have a target, I thought I’d be around the 36 minute mark. I was a little bit over that but pretty close. I’m very happy.”

Two 14-year-old Berkeley students, who competed in the mile the night before, had strong performances in the 10k, with Iziah Tucker finishing nineteenth overall in 38:47.33 while Outerbridge was 24th in 39:32.98.

“This is my second time running this race, it wasn’t as fast as last year but it was still good,” said Outerbridge, who has his sights set on qualifying for the Carifta Games.

“The weather was very hot but way worse last year,” added Outerbridge, referring to the wind and rain. “I’m trying to go to Carifta in the 1,500 metres, I need to get a time of 4.23.”

Mello had her family on the course supporting her as she had a time of 43.50.73 to her mile time of 5:47.98 as part of the half challenge.

She was 53rd overall yesterday, about a minute inside the time she was aiming for.

“I was hoping to do around 45 minutes so 43-something is good,” she said. “I felt strong but it is a tough course with a lot of hills.

“Today was perfect, a lot of shade and no wind on the North Shore.

“It was awesome, I love the crowd. I always start off slower and then build into my run.

“It’s a fun weekend with a lot of spectators and energy from everybody, a reason to have a good time. I did the half challenge last year so this is the third time I’ve done the challenge. You have to pace yourself through the weekend with three races.

“I’ve got three little boys and it’s good to have them out there watching.”