Top local runner Chris Estwanik will be the overwhelming favourite for the Bermuda Triangle Half Challenge.Estwanik, who missed the Fairmont to Fairmonth Road race last weekend as he was off Island, has opted for the three race series rather than compete in the Elite Mile in this year’s Bermuda Marathon Weekend.The 2009 Triangle Half Challenge champion will take part in the Men’s Open Mile on Friday night, 10k on Saturday and the Half-Marathon on Sunday.Last year saw Estwanik run the 10K, finishing fourth overall.“I will be competing in the Triangle Challenge this year, so it will be fun to get out there and see how the weekend goes,” said Estwanik.In last year’s 10K event, Estwanik stuck with the leading pack until the four-mile mark when the elite trio, Sharack Biwot, Phillip Lagat and Kumsa Magersa, broke away although he did manage to close the gap later on.This year he hopes to remain with the front-runners until the finish line at the National Sports Centre.“Last year I did the 10K and it was a very exciting race for both the runners and the spectators, although it didn’t go my way.“This year will hopefully be a bit different as the pace got me last time in the 10K.“We were all together around the four mile mark and they made a break that broke me down and I was unable to make the break with them, but after that mile we all seemed to get back on the same pace and it was fairly even.“This time around I’m hoping to be in the running again and maybe be around until the end and have a chance to kick home.”“I have been doing some running, and this will prepare me for an upcoming marathon I will do in March, so hopefully the weekend is good to me.”Estwanik admitted it was a tough decision not to compete in this year’s Fairmont to Fairmont, sacrificing a fifth consecutive win to spend time with his friends and family in the Cayman Islands.Although he hasn’t placed any expectations on himself ahead of the Triangle Challenge, he is confident of delivering strong runs in all three events.“We were in the Caymans for a week or two, and I didn’t compete in the Fairmont to Fairmont, which was tough when you have won the last four and have new guys coming through that want what you have,” said Estwanik, who will be up against youngster Sean Trott in the Triangle Challenge.“It was good to see Lamont win it and it bodes well for his confidence as well.“I don’t have any real expectations on the overall weekend, I know it will be challenge for all those involved, especially after you run the 10K and have to be up and ready for the half or full marathon the next day, the body has to be ready for it.”