Jay Donawa strengthened his claim as the Island's top road runner as he eased to victory in yesterday's Butterfield and Vallis 5K.

But in windy and wet conditions over a new course - essentially the route used previously but in reverse - Donawa failed to beat the race record of 15 minutes and 35 seconds set by Kavin Smith in 1995.

His pace, however, was too hot for recent Front Street Mile winner Evan Naude who trailed the Bermudian over the finish line by 18 seconds.

Donawa clocked 15.58 and Naude 16.16 with Sheldon Thompson taking third in 17.04.

Anna Eatherley, meanwhile, got back into the winner's circle after suffering defeat to Ashley Couper during International Race Weekend.

Couper wasn't among yesterday's bumper open field of almost 250 and Eatherley took advantage to win in 18.52, well short of Jennifer Fisher's race record of 17.47 set in 1995 but comfortably ahead of her closest rival.

Victoria Fiddick was the second female in 19.39 and Joanna Shillington third in 19.51.

With junior races boosting the total field to 456 - up by 76 over last year - yesterday's event maintained its reputation as one of Bermuda's most popular.

Nine-year-old Trey Simons again showed his enormous potential as he led home many older runners to win the 12 and under boys' division in an impressive nine minutes and 47 seconds over a 1.6 mile course.

Deanne Lightbourn was the first girl home in 12 and under division for the second year in a row, clocking 11.06.

Full results

See Scoreboard, Page 28