Sean Trott is looking forward to the challenge of defending his Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby title.

The 36-year-old is among the top contenders, which also includes five-times winner Lamont Marshall, last year’s runner-up Ryan Outerbridge, 2026 Swan’s Legend Series champion Kallan Richardson, Olympic triathlete Tyler Smith and Bermuda resident Dennis Mbelenzi, who has stamped his authority on the local road running scene since returning to the island last year.

Trott is “excited” about his chances of success but admits he has an enormous task.

“It’s a very strong field and stronger than ever,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I know I have my hands full, but in terms of my preparation it’s been a good year. I’ve been very consistent with the workouts and runs I’ve done from week to week, so overall I don’t think I’m wanting in terms of anything that I will be bringing in.

“My condition is good right now. I’ve been resting up this week and I feel good, so I am excited about my chances against the field.”

The experienced athlete is also feeling inspired having taken a particular liking to the course starting from Somerset, which he considers as “home turf”.

“It’s always been my favourite course coming from the west,” he said.

“I am definitely looking forward to being on this side again and being able to defend on what I would call my home turf, so I am excited about that.”

Trott won the iconic race for the first time in 1hr 14min 31sec last year after a string of near misses and having finished on the podium in the previous three years.

“I always believed it was possible, I just kept putting in the work,” he said.

Mbelenzi is also bracing himself for a tough battle among the formidable field.

“I expect this year to be one of the most competitive races in the recent past,” he said.

“We have, in my view, four men each of whom would turn down second position if you gave it to them before the gun. Each validly believes they have a chance at victory.

“We are unlikely to see anything close to prime Estwanik times, but it’s going to be a very entertaining and enthralling race.”

The Kenyan-born runner led the field home three years ago but was not officially recognised as the winner. Since his win new rules have been introduced stating runners must be resident in Bermuda for at least six months prior to the race to be eligible.

“As you can imagine I am not short of motivation considering the events the last time I participated,” Mbelenzi said.

“I love this race and respect its iconic place in Bermuda’s history and culture. I am fully aware that participation is a privilege and for that I am eternally grateful to the organisers and the people of Bermuda, who have been nothing short of amazing and very welcoming since my return.

“I look forward to all the positive energy and vibes on the course. The fans make this event the satisfying experience it is.

“During the two years when I was ineligible, I watched and supported from the sidelines always hoping and believing that an opportunity will arise for me to participate. I will be targeting my first legitimate win, wishing the best of luck to all participants.”

A new champion will be crowned in the women’s race, with three-times winner Gayle Lindsay having left Bermuda.

Among those expected to be in the hunt are Stepanka Sprincova, Maddie Durkin, Teresa Ruiz and Christine Dailey, who is excited to be on the start line just three months after giving birth to a baby girl.

“I am just excited to be able to run,” said Dailey, who has finished runner-up in the last three years.

“I had a baby three months ago and ran through my pregnancy but obviously there were limitations, I took some time off and I’m just getting into the swing of things.

“I don’t have the mileage and speed work under my belt that I usually would, but I have been running and feel good, so I’ve got that going for me.

“I think I’m just starting to get into it and it will be a nice little test for my body to see where I’m at and see where I can start building from here.

“I’m just looking forward to a really fun day and I think for me what is exciting about it is I put a lot of pressure on myself usually and I don’t have the pressure and the expectations. I’m just purely going in it for the fun, which is getting me buzzing for this race.”

As for this year’s women’s field, Dailey said: “It’s a strong field.

“I think you’re going to have Maddie Durkin up front and you’ve got Stepanka, who has been doing all the local races. She’s been working really hard and running really well.

“Then of course you’ve got Teresa who came third last year. You also have Kristen Robinson who has been training for Half Ironman, so she’ll be up there.”

This year’s Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby boasts 910 individual runners making it the third largest field in race history behind the event’s 100th anniversary in 2009 and first race starting from St George’s in 37 years in 2015. The race begins at 8.30am.