Bermuda’s running community were out in force for the Swan’s Labour Day 5K on Sunday morning and one man in particular was happy to be back.

Dennis Mbelenzi, who was the catalyst for the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby organisers to ban non-residents from the race after he crossed the line first in 2023 but was prevented from being recognised as the official race winner or receiving prize money, has made a long-term return to the island.

Now 43, Mbelenzi showed at the Labour Day 5K that he still has the ability to compete, finishing third overall and winning the 40-49 age group, crossing the line in 15min 50.48sec behind winner Jake Brislane and runner-up Kallan Richardson.

After he had picked up his medal, Mbelenzi revealed that he is now resident again in Bermuda.

“I’m happy to be back here and I’m back long term as I’m resident again,” Mbelenzi said.

“That is testament to my love for the island, running here, the experience and the community. I love running here and I believe running is a gift which everyone can tap into. I’m still loving it and still trying to be competitive.”

With the new derby rules stating that runners must be resident in Bermuda for at least six months before the race, Mbelenzi will be eligible to compete in the 2026 event and he admits that he intends to rejoin the elite field

“Last time I participated, it was a very big story,” he said.

“It’s a very competitive race and a race I really respect. Of course, I will go by the rules and as of now I will be eligible to run in the race, but we also know from experience that rules can change.

“But if the rules stay the same and I am in the right physical fitness and in a good mental space I will be participating.”

Mbelenzi knows that he will face a tough task as he ages into the masters division.

"When you are a masters runner you have to listen to your body and I would not want to show up if I am not healthy and fit but if I line up, I will be lining up to be competitive.

“I’ll be 44 by the time of the race and it is difficult to win these races in your forties with lots of good young runners here.”

The women’s race at the Labour Day 5K was won by Teresa Ruiz, a regular on Bermuda’s road running circuit.

Ruiz crossed the line in 18:45, 23 seconds in front of Stepanka Sprincova, with Laurie Orchard finishing third, and was pleased with her opening effort.

“I didn’t have high hopes for this race and I was feeling unwell this morning, but I was pretty happy,” she said.

“This was just for enjoyment and seeing the running community again but it’s an indication of where I stand for the rest of the season and I am hoping that I don’t get injured.

“I’m training for a half-marathon in February so I’m aiming for that but I’m doing this just to see where my times are and what I need to focus on for that.”

The half-marathon training means that Ruiz may not be seen as much on the island’s roads in the coming months.

“I’m going to be a bit more selective about which races I’m going to run,” Ruiz said.

“Last year I did a lot of races and I did well but this year I want to focus on key races and work towards the half-marathon. When I do run it will probably be because I want to catch up with my friends.”

Away from the senior race, there was also a wins in the junior race, which was run over 2.65km, for Nicolas Gomez Caines and Vivienne Fox.