While foreign competitors were to the fore in yesterday's International Marathon, a separate, hard-fought battle for hometown honours was being waged behind them.

Brett Forgesson, one of the Island's premier distance athletes, had his hands full with Sylvester Jean-Pierre, also a well-known runner but a "new kid" on the marathon circuit.

For a while, it looked like Jean-Pierre would create an upset in the local title race but experience, strength and a little luck ultimately combined to Forgesson's advantage, allowing him to get home ahead of his rival in two hours, 47 minutes and 27 seconds. That placed him fourth overall while Jean-Pierre was the second local runner to finish (seventh overall) in two hours, 54 minutes.

"He really pushed me and I had to be faster because he was out in front and I didn't catch him until about 20 miles," said Forgesson, crediting the four-minute improvement on his time last year to the friendly but keen tussle.

Such was his exertion that even the 38-year-old himself was surprised.

"My performance is a total surprise to me. I've really struggled since New York (Marathon last November). I hurt my hamstrings and I haven't been able to get out consistently. I only did a few long runs. I guess the fitness that carried over from New York really helped me through today. This is always a tough race."

Jean-Pierre, 44, said he knew he would be conceding experience and strength to Forgesson so his tactic was to get out early and push the pace. However, a tightening in his left quadricep just ten miles into the race curtailed his ambitions and Forgesson passed him with about seven miles left.

"I kept pushing but at the 20-mile mark I said `Yes Brett I'll just try to stay strong, you continue on your game plan'," recalled Jean-Pierre.

The man who was eighth last year after a last-minute decision to run was thrilled to move up a place and to improve his time.

Meanwhile, veteran Annette Hallett was also celebrating her retention of the local women's crown in 3:33.04. She was also the fourth woman overall and 19th overall.

"I'm tired but very happy. I wasn't sure if I could run this year because I hurt my foot. I wanted to finish and be first (local woman), so I've achieved everything I wanted to do," declared the 51-year-old, admitting she was in pain.

Glennis Butterfield, 40, was the second Bermudian woman to finish (fifth woman overall), completing the course in 3:50.29. Though it was not one of her more memorable races, she was happy to conquer the tough conditions despite fatigue and cramp in her left leg.