The mere thought of the hills and humidity of the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby is enough to make most local runners go weak at the knees.

But the overwhelming women's favourite, Dawn Richardson, appeared like she'd simply been out walking the dog in the aftermath of her commanding victory yesterday, with the remarkably fresh-looking Englishwoman bounding confidently over the finish line on a packed Dutton Avenue in a brisk one hour, 27 minutes and 30 seconds — almost two minutes ahead of nearest rival Victoria Fiddick.

After appearing out of nowhere last year as a relative newcomer to the Island to pip Karen Bordage in the latter stages, the 35-year-old was far more comfortable this time around, running on her own for virtually the entire 13.1 miles.

With Bordage away at an Iron Man triathlon in Brazil, it was up to the likes of Fiddick, Kim McMullen and Rosa Peichoto to provide the main challenge.

But though Fiddick did at one stage succeed in getting to within roughly 200 metres of Richardson at around the seven-mile mark, the long-limbed girl from Darlington in the north east of England was simply a level above her rivals — with yesterday's runaway victory further cementing her reputation as the Island's top female runner.

Fiddick's second place, meanwhile, came in a time of 1.29.19, followed by the third-placed McMullen in 1.31.26.

"I really enjoyed it out there," said a startlingly fresh-looking Richardson afterwards.

"I started out slow and just ran within myself to begin with and I felt better and better as the race went on.

"I didn't feel the wind to be honest — I was very comfortable the whole way, which was nice because it's not very often I can say that about a race.

"I didn't expect the race to go as it did. Victoria has run two half-marathons this year in times of 1.25 so I thought if I was going to win again it would be similar to last year in terms of coming from behind in the last couple of miles.

"But it didn't turn out that way and I ended up running my own race. I really enjoyed it though. I had Mark Albouy with me for a while, but other than that I was pretty much by myself.

"The crowd were absolutely fantastic, the atmosphere was great and that really spurred me on towards the end."

Meanwhile, Fiddick admitted afterwards that Richardson was "just a stronger overall runner" — but the Swede was nonetheless happy to have kept her in sight at certain stages given their age difference.

"I tried my very best to close the gap, but I'm a masters runner now and she's got a few years on me," said the 41-year-old.

"I was injured last year and wasn't able to race, so just to be back out there again competing was a real pleasure. The time wasn't my best (1.29.19). I ran quicker in the International Half-Marathon and at the World Masters, but this course is much tougher so I've got to be happy with it.

"I thought at one stage that I might be able to reel her in, but to her credit she's just a really strong runner and was too quick for me. I could never get close enough to really challenge her.

"I ran the best race I possibly could and the last couple of miles were fantastic running through the crowd and clapping hands with people on the sidelines.

"The people are terrific. They're out there first thing in the morning to watch the race and deserve a lot of credit. Overall I'm pretty satisfied with the race in general — I've got no regrets."