It is fair to say that British running legend Paula Radcliffe is the latest athlete to fall in love with Bermuda and the Triangle Challenge.

Radcliffe, a former world record holder in the marathon, was on hand for all three days of the Triangle Challenge and raced alongside more than 1,000 runners in the 10K on Saturday morning.

After spending a few days travelling around the island, Radcliffe has promised to spread the good news about the event on her return home.

“I don’t think I would change anything about this,” Radcliffe said when speaking to The Royal Gazette at the conclusion of the Challenge.

“I think I’d just try to grow it and I’ll spread the word a little bit as I’m sure there are lots of runners all around the globe who would love to come and participate in this one.”

Radcliffe did not just stand on the sidelines and like Sebastian Coe the previous year took in the views of North Shore to run the second leg of the challenge.

“I really loved running in the 10K,” she said. “The only thing that annoyed me was that I missed the run stop at three miles as I didn’t know that was there but I made up for it afterwards.

“I took it in a fun way and really enjoyed the scenery. I love running by the ocean but when you combine it with the atmosphere and hospitality it is really special. What has really impressed me is the welcome, the hospitality and the beauty of the island and the waters.”

Before the start of one of Bermuda’s biggest events, Radcliffe revealed that Coe had told her that she must accept the invitation of race organisers and she is pleased his advice was heeded, with the experience prompting her to consider a return to the island with her family.

“It’s such a lovely event and it’s great to see that runners come back year after year and try to improve their times,” Radcliffe said.

“There is a lot of support out there on the route and for a lot of runners that are new to this event they have absolutely loved it from start to finish. It’s not just the races and the organisation, but it’s the hospitality of the Bermudian people as well.

“The islands are beautiful and to get the chance to explore those as well has been really special. I would love to come back with my family and check out a few more events.”

Radcliffe has been to all of the world’s biggest races and feels that while Bermuda may not be able to compete in terms of size, it punches well above its weight when it comes to vibe.

“This is definitely up there in terms of experience,” Radcliffe said.

“It may not be the quickest in terms of fast times and it may not be the biggest in terms of participants, but it’s huge in terms of the energy it brings and the uniqueness of it.

“To tick it off as a destination and tick off the challenge, maybe starting with the half and working your way up to the full, is really great. I also love the way the kids get involved as well and that they don’t just have the mile, they can also compete in the half marathon as a relay, that’s really good.”