One of Bermuda’s top road runners has issued a powerful plea to end violence on island after dedicating his victory in the Swan’s Club Charity Run this month to Lindley Scott Jr, who died following a fatal stabbing at Southampton Rangers Sports Club.

Chayce Smith won the 5K race in 17min 52.83sec, ahead of Shannon Lawrence (18:09.91) and Adam Prunty was third in 18:54.68. Stepanka Sprincova clocked 19:35.3 to become the first female across the line.

“​I am sharing the core reason behind why I ran this race,” Smith said.

“More than anything, my message to our young people is simple and urgent — please stop the violence.

“​This race is deeply personal to me. I was running in memory of a close friend, LJ — the brother of my mate, Cann — who was a hard-working man, a great father and someone I was very tight with.

“Losing him to senseless violence hurts deeply and it highlights the painful reality faced by good, hard-working people who are just trying to provide for their families.

“My goal is to honour my friend’s memory and use this platform to urge our children to put an end to the violence.”

Reflecting Smith’s tribute, the beneficiary of this year’s race was Crime Stoppers Bermuda, the independent charity that assists police by collecting anonymous tips to help solve crimes and apprehend offenders.