Chayce Smith led Bermuda’s contingent at the weekend’s NACAC Cross-Country Championships in Trinidad.

Smith was the first Bermudian runner across the finish, stopping the clock at 26:56 to place 21st overall in the men’s field.

The Bermuda College student overtook compatriot Jay Donawa in the last 200 metres of the 8K course at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

Donawa was the second Bermudian across the line behind Smith. The fireman came home in 26:59 to place 22nd overall.

Sean Trott, the third and final local runner in Trinidad, placed 25th in a time of 27:12.

Donawa said: “The Bermuda lads were pleased with their performances in the overall scheme of the scene.”

Bermuda were ineligible to compete for team honours this year because they did not have the required quota of four runners.

“If we had sent a fourth team member of the same calibre as the others we would have been neck and neck with the Jamaicans for the third team prize,’” said Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) executive Bob Oliver, who travelled with the trio.

“This event really comes too late in the season for most cross-country runners for whom the season probably ended in December or January. Consideration is being given to rethinking this situation.

“Not only the Bermuda guys but most of the other competitors have really been focusing on other disciplines since our cross-country season ended.”

Canadian Cameron Levins won the men’s race in 24:04 while team honours went to USA.

Bermuda were not represented in the junior or female divisions this year.