He may have crossed the finish line long before runners half his age but 71-year-old Ray Swan was still not happy with his time.

The two-time champion, running his first half-marathon for around 20 years, bemoaned an ankle injury which he said had prevented him from running at full pelt.

"I wanted to go a lot faster but I've had an injury," said the ultra-competitive veteran.

"I've only been training for around three weeks and if I'd had longer I would have been faster."

Swan said he was shocked at how many runners signed up for this year's race and equally surprised at the number of spectators that cheered him on throughout yesterday's centennial race.

"It was great to be apart of this year's special race and I've many fond memories of May 24," said Swan, who set the Masters record in 1981.

Multiple champion Kavin Smith, 42, had more motivation than most to fight through the pain barrier in yesterday's race.

The nine-time winner was running to raise cash for the Committee of 25 for Handicapped Children and said the plight of the youngsters inspired him every step of the 13.1 mile race.

"I had a different focus this year and created little scenarios in my head to keep myself motivated," said Smith, who finished fourth overall and was the first Masters runner to cross the line.

"A lot of children aren't able to be physically active and I felt like I was doing it for them – that's all I was thinking about.

"It's so much better to give rather than receive and you reap what you sow in this life.

"I've been raising money for the Committee of 25 for the last two years and I will continue to do so. I just wish I'd started doing it years ago."

Smith, who celebrated his finish with a impressive handstand, said his other motivation was to help set the pace for his protégé, 16-year-old Emmanuel Smith, who he trained for the Marathon Derby.

Yesterday's race marked evergreen runner Cal Steede's 19th showing in Bermuda's biggest road running spectacle.

He said it was a privilege to be apart of such a "special race".

"When I was younger I used to wonder what was so special about May 24." said the 50-year-old, who ran the Boston and London Marathons earlier this year and is closing in on his 100th full marathon.

"But when I first took part many years ago I realised that the people involved made the race such an important occasion.

He added: "It was tough out there today with the weather but I was pretty pleased with how I got on, although my best time was many years ago."

Bermuda football international Damon Ming was one of twIle-de-Franceo Hogges players to run yesterday's race.

Both he and defender Blenn Blean braved the scorching heat just days after helping Hogges beat Real Maryland Monarchs.

"This is the second time I've run in May 24 and I really wanted to do it because this year's race was an important one," said Ming.

"Plus it helps me keep fit for the Hogges."

See more pictures at Spotted on the Rock