TRAINING partners Dawn Richardson and Victoria Fiddick dominated the women’s Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby with Richardson retaining her title after a stunning solo race that even she admitted was her best since she arrived in Bermuda just over a year ago.The 34-year-old, who hails from Darlington in northern England, was not challenged throughout the race.

She and second-placed Fiddick are now preparing for an encore at the Small Island Games in Rhodes in July, where they will compete in the half-marathon.

It was hard to tell that Richardson had been distracted from racing of late as she took control of the island’s signature event. As usual she carried her own water bottle and switched bottles at her home half-way along the route.

“I really enjoyed it today,” said Richardson, whose parents were amongst the cheering roadside crowds.

“I was nervous at the start and didn’t expect to run how I did,” she said, shortly after crossing the line 24th overall in one hour 27 minutes 30 seconds. She had looked for training partner and race rival Fiddick in the early miles, thinking she was ahead. But then settled into her own race pace and waved at spectators who called out support during the event.

“At the start of the race I ran slow and without any pressure. It was the first race I can say I have really, really enjoyed.”

Richardson paid tribute to the support of her Swan’s Running Club training partner Vernon Tankard and Donna Mae Smith and others in the club who have given support during her time on the island.

Fiddick, 41, who went into the race with the fastest recent half-marathon time — a 1:27 from International Race Weekend and the same at the World Masters — was pleased to run 1:29:19 and finish first woman master category.

She had kept Richardson in her sights throughout the race and hoped to close the gap, but as the race progressed the gap increased.

“I was pleased with my time. I had a strong start and stuck with it. I wanted to stick to my pace and I did mostly, although in some places I slowed too much. I was running on my own and the wind really pushed me back.”

“I knew Dawn was going to be strong even though I’ve run a faster time than her this year. I’m happy that she has won. We are both going to Rhodes to represent Bermuda.”Fiddick said that throughout the race she was trying hard not to worry too much about who was around her. Kim McMullen, who is another possible Rhodes-bound athlete, was close, but Fiddick sensed she was feeling the pace judging by her hard breathing.

The pair were running together at the six-mile point, but Fiddick eventually moved ahead and McMullen finished third in 1:31:26, with Rosa Peichoto fourth in 1:33:23.

Bermuda Small Island Games’ team manager Tony Bean said he was encouraged by the performance of Richardson, Fiddick and McMullen.

“They are all working together. There should be a good competition in Rhodes,” he said.

Easy for defending champ