Chris Estwanik beat off a spirited challenge from training partner Lamont Marshall to claim his third straight victory in the Fairmont to Fairmont road race.

Eswanik overcome cold, wet and windy conditions yesterday to win the annual 7.3 mile race in a time of 37.15 seconds.

Marshall finished closely behind in 37.58 and Estwanik believes it is only a matter of time before the 25-year-old Bermudian takes over as the top runner on the Island.

"Lamont ran a fantastic race, he really pushed me today. We have been working out together and he is really closing the gap," said Estwanik. "I have got a few good years left in me but it is only a matter of time before he starts beating me."

Estwanik, 29, said the fact that Tyler Butterfield, a professional triathlete, finished in third place highlighted the depth of running talent in Bermuda.

"I am just trying to set the standard now in the same way the likes of Jay Donowa and Kavin Smith did before me. The talent is so deep on this Island. It is awesome when you see a world-class triathlete (Tyler Butterfield) finishing in third position.

"It was a very tough race, the conditions were difficult as it was very windy. All three of us (Marshall and Butterfield) were switching the lead at the start which was good – it is sort of race etiquette to help each other out."

The International Race Weekend's 10K is up next for Estwanik who revealed that a motorcycle accident six weeks ago saw him break his elbow and disrupt his preparations for yesterday's race.

"I will be doing the 10k but not the Front Street Mile in the International Race Weekend," he said. "I do not want to be doing any speed work as both me and my wife, Ashley, are looking at doing the Grandma's Marathon in Minnesota in June – it is a mid-major.

"I had my first Bermuda road rash six weeks ago when I came off my bike and broke my elbow. It kept me out of action for about two weeks but the rest probably did me some good."

First woman, Victoria Fiddick posted her best ever time in the Fairmont to Fairmont race in a confidence boosting win over Olga Firsova.

Fiddick won her second successive title in a time of 45.53 and will now turn her attention to the International Race Weekend's Half-Marathon.

"I am very happy with my race," said Fiddick. "Despite the weather it was my best ever time in this race. I think I have won it four times before but this was my best performance, I feel.

"Olga was in front of me for a while but when I passed her she did not respond. I will be running the Half-Marathon in International Race Weekend and this race serves as a real confidence boost."

Firsova and Jennifer Alen (third) both posted finishes of 47.10.

A total of 221 runners finished the race.