which attracted a massive field of over 25,000 runners.

But firefighter Lopes, who has been the first Bermudian to finish on at least two previous occasions, was unable to dip under his personal best of two hours, 32 minutes.

He was, however, the only local to break the three hour barrier, clocking 2:41 for the 26.2 mile run which placed him among the top 200 finishers.

Veteran Ray Ming reportedly suffered an early blow to his hopes of breaking three hours when he was hit on the head by a flying bottle at the start line.

Despite the discomfort he decided to continue but was helped off the course by paramedics after apparently suffering from dizziness around the 20-mile mark.

The only runner among Bermuda's 20-plus contingent to record a personal best was Calvin Steede who was the second local to finish in 3:03.

First women to finish among the Bermuda party were Debbie Graham and Jane Marsh who crossed the line together in 4:19.

Other times (all unofficial) recorded by Bermuda residents were: Ed Gomez 3:15; Newton Adcock 3:28; John Edwards 3:45; Graham Molyneux 3:53; Andrew Fletcher 3:55; Patrick Hackenberg 3:55; Michael Douglas 3:56; Duncan Scott 3:58; Elvin Thomas 4:23; Louise Brown 4:26; Harry Kast 4:38; Gillian Bliss 5:01; Maryleigh Chasty 5:08.

No time was available yesterday for Eddie Benjamin while Anthony Raynor did not finish and George Sutherland, who had entered and travelled with the party, decided not to start.

The 25th running of the annual marathon was won by Mexican German Silva in 2:11.21 as he pipped compatriot Benjamin Paredes by just two seconds in the closest finish in the race's history.

Manuel Lopes