Eli Nixon did not let wasp stings deter him when he finished 97th in the men’s 45km short trail at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain, yesterday.

Nixon, who was representing the island for the first time in international competition, clocked 6hr 0min 50sec, with the Bermudian one of 171 runners that completed the gruelling race in northeast Spain near Zaragoza.

“I got 97th of 198 men, which I’m rather happy about,” the 28-year-old told The Royal Gazette.

“The course was a bit wild — it went over four climbs, down steep ski runs and starting temperatures were about 3F.

“An unexpected challenge was some wasp stings during the first mountain climb. I ended up getting stung about six times across my legs and face, as did many of the other racers near by.

“There was some great camaraderie among the racers; everyone was so positive and supportive of one another.

“This was felt especially among some of the other Commonwealth countries — Canada and New Zealand — in addition to the Irish team.

“My legs are tired, but overall I’m really proud of what was accomplished and to have had this opportunity.”

Frédéric Tranchand, of France, was the winner in 4:42, followed by the Spanish pair of Manuel Merillas and Andreu Blanes.

With Spain having three runners in the top four, the Spaniards took the men’s team race, with France second and Italy securing third position.

Tove Alexandersson, of Sweden, secured victory in the women’s race in an impressive time of 5:04, which placed her seventeenth overall.