Deon Breary is on the cusp of joining a distinguished group to have left their mark on the Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby

The experienced runner is bidding for a third women’s title — and second straight — having romped to victory in last year’s 13.1-mile race in 1hr 35min 38sec.

As it stands, Debbie Butterfield, Sandra Mewett, Anna Eatherley and Ashley Couper are the only female athletes to have won three or more titles in the island’s most popular road race.

“That would be nice ... but we will have to see how it goes,” said Breary, alluding to the prospect of a third title. I think my preparation has been going pretty good.

“I have been slowly building my speed and endurance so I think it’s been going well and I’m ready to go.

“I’m just going to go out there, run my own race, do my best and see how it goes.”

Breary is thrilled just to be able to compete after being plagued by a hamstring injury in recent months.

“It’s been a bit of a struggle for me bouncing back from an hamstring injury so I’m just happy to get to the start line and run the race,” she said.

Standing between Breary and a third title are the likes of Christine Daley, Victoria Fiddick, a former winner, Martina Olcheski-Bell and Gayle Lindsay.

The race will start from Somerset for the second time since annual switch of racecourse from the West End to the East End came into effect in 2015.

“I’m definitely excited about coming from Somerset because coming from St George’s is a bit harder with the long hills,” Breary said.

“There are inclines coming from Somerset but not as bad as coming from St George’s.”

Breary is also excited about the introduction of prize money to the event this year.

Appleby have provided prize money for the male and female winners in each category, while the Marathon Derby committee have set aside monetary awards for any male or female who runs sub 1:10 and 1:22, respectively.

“I think it is great because a lot of hard work and sacrifice goes into the race, so it’s nice that we’re going to be rewarded,” Breary said.

Organisers have yet to determine how much money will be allocated to competitors who achieve those targets.

“The Derby’s Incentive Award is a new prize which was not included in our original 2018 budget which is based on the number of entries and the sponsorship,” said Gina Tucker, the Marathon Derby committee president.

“The committee is working with the treasurer to determine the available funds for this new prize.

“Those funds will be distributed to persons meeting the challenge and will be in addition to the already established first-place prize.

“We appreciate and welcome the interest in this prize, however, at this time, the committee cannot give a definitive amount but expect that moving forward. The amount for this prize will be predetermined and will include donations from the community.”

Meanwhile, a new men’s champion will be crowned in tomorrow’s race as last year’s winner Jay Donawa has retired.

Those expected to be in contention are former winner Lamont Marshall, Sean Trott, Chris Harris and Chayce Smith. Tomorrow’s race starts at 9am.

• For a full list of competitors, individual and team, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”