More than 250 runners are expected to take to the track at Flora Duffy Stadium for the Butterfield Mile Invitational trials on Friday night.

The fastest 30 qualifiers from the 14 categories, who run under eight minutes, will be invited to participate in the 2026 Butterfield Mile Invitational races to be held on January 16 at the start of the 2026 Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge Weekend.

In the past, only 20 runners per category made the final cut, before the number was increased to 25 last year.

English-based Oliver Hayward arrived on Wednesday to put himself in contention for the 17 and under boys crown. With Jake Smith now studying at Bath University, a new champion will be crowned in that age group next month.

Hayward faces stiff competition from Jackson Langley and Dylan Eiselt, who finished behind Smith this year. Cameron Adkins, who won a silver medal for Bermuda in the under-17 boys 1,500 metres at the Carifta Games early this year, is also in contention to qualify.

In the high school girls event, Carina Bortoli, the winner from this year, has gone to university, while runner-up Amaris Munya is now studying at Montverde Academy in Florida, which opens up the race.

Kelise Wade, who finished third this year, Riana Robinson and Sofia Leclerc are the notable names vying for the title.

Naomi MacGuinness, who cantered to victory in her first year in the girls 13 and under (middle school) division with an impressive time of 5min 29.23sec, should have no issue securing her spot for the main event.

Jarita Vickers, the Bermuda National Athletics Association president, welcomed the increased number of slots for the finals this year.

“For years the number of finalist spots has been capped at 20 and I believe the increase to 30 reflects the progression and growing depth of this race,” Vickers said.

“We’ve had so many athletes, particularly in the more junior categories, run well under the eight-minute mark and I’m sure they welcome the change.

“With more qualifying spots available, they now have a greater chance to make it to Front Street. I’m looking forward to seeing the competition this year.”