The 2026 Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby turned out to be another unique and rewarding experience for mother and son Anna Neilson-Williams and D’Angelo Williams, who participated in the iconic race together for a third time.

Unlike his mother who has more experience in the sport, D’Angelo initially competed in basketball and jump rope, but after years of cheering on his mother from the sidelines, the 17-year-old decided to join her on the road. Over the past three years the duo have competed together in local and overseas races.

“It’s been a unique and rewarding experience crossing the Bermuda landscape together with the running races we have been doing for the last three years together,” said Neilson-Williams, a doctor and Chief of Staff at the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

“This is D’Angelo’s third year of running the Derby with Mom, but the second at taking on the whole distance.

“He grew up supporting me with various races over the years, including the Derby. He had a high level of fitness after taking part in competitive jump rope and basketball, and he began running with me a few years ago. We have also ran together overseas.”

The duo warmed up for Bermuda Day by participating in the RenaissanceRe race last month.

“We ran the ten-mile race a month ago and crossed the finish together then, so I had a sense we might be close to the same timing for the Derby,” Neilson-Williams said.

“We tried to stay with the two-hour pace, but the conditions didn’t really allow it this year. It was really hot and the last couple of miles were pretty rough, but the crowd always gets you through.

“We are not the fastest duo but it’s been an amazing experience running together and offering encouragement to each other.”

Neilson-Williams and her son crossed the finish side by side in 2hr 10min 3sec.

“There is simply nothing that compares to May 24; the spectators and the supporters are everything along the entire way,” she said.

“I really wished for D’Angelo to connect with his culture by being part of the race and the day. I was yelling out to quite a few people that it was mother and son running together. A lot of people were surprised, although I think I was embarrassing D’Angelo a bit.

“Just being in the zone and doing something positive together is great for our physical and mental health, to see the beauty of Bermuda and try to lead by example.

“At my age I am happy to still be out there, but I get the feeling D’Angelo will be leaving me for dust soon.

“I am really proud of him for continuing the race tradition. We saw a sign up in the Derby for siblings but no parent/child. That might be a nice addition for the race organisers, as I know we are not the only ones running together.

“I can honestly say nothing compares to the Derby and no matter how hard it feels we always feel so happy at the end. We crossed the finish line again together and that was a good feeling.”

Mount Saint Agnes student D’Angelo said running with his mother in the prestigious race is “really special”.

“We’ve been doing it together for the past three years and every year it brings us closer,” he said.

“It’s something we both look forward to and it feels good sharing the experience together and supporting each other through the race.

“The run was definitely tough because of the heat and humidity, but we kept encouraging each other and pushed through. Even though it was challenging, finishing together made it worth it.

“Our main goal was to finish strong together and enjoy the experience. Of course we wanted to do our best time possible, but completing the race together was the most important thing.

“The atmosphere was amazing. There were so many people cheering everyone on throughout the course and that energy really helped us keep going. It felt very positive and supportive.”

The teenager took to the sport having been inspired by his mother.

“I’ve been running for a few years now,” he said.

“My mom inspired me to start and I also wanted to challenge myself physically and mentally. Running together has made it even more enjoyable.

“One of the best parts about the race is making memories together every year. Even though the heat made it difficult, the support from the crowd and crossing the finish line with my mom made it an unforgettable experience.”