Gayle Lindsay On Butterfield Mile And More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Gayle Lindsay has become one of the standout local women’s runners in recent years after several impressive performances and memorable victories.
Lindsay, who is competing in the Chubb Half Bermuda Triangle Challenge this weekend, etched her name into the history books after claiming her first title in the Bermuda Half Marathon Derby last year, finishing in 1:29:22.
She is also a four-time winner of the adult women’s race in the Butterfield Front Street Mile.
Bernews caught up with Lindsay before she takes to the start line in the Butterfield Mile tonight [January 12].
“This will be my first time running all three days [Butterfield Mile, BF&M 10K, and the PwC Bermuda Half Marathon], as I’ve only previously done the mile and 10k combo,” Lindsay said.
“I’m really excited for it! My first experience of Race Weekend was the Front Street Mile in 2015, where I finished sixth in the adult female race.
“I loved every second of the race, and I remember watching the winning ladies on the podium, knowing that’s where I wanted to be.
“Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say that I have won the event four times. My maiden Front Street Mile victory came in 2018 and stands out as my most memorable performance.”
How special is the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Race Weekend in terms of the atmosphere and occasion?
“It’s such a special event, and the atmosphere is always incredible. Good luck to everyone running this weekend, and thank you to the event organisers for doing an amazing job each year of putting on a top-class event.”
Which event of the three is your favourite, and what are your goals this weekend?
“Me and the mile have a lot of history, so it will always be my favourite! Like everyone else racing tonight, my goal would be to win the mile.
“I’m excited to take on the challenge of the three consecutive races, and it will feel like a huge accomplishment if I can cross all three finish lines, knowing I’ve given them my best effort.
“I’ll step onto the start line each day with the aim of making it onto the podium.”
Can you tell us more about your running career – did you compete much before you arrived in Bermuda, and what has your experience been like as part of the local running community?
“I grew up doing track and field at school in Scotland. I drifted away from athletics when I went to university. When I moved to Bermuda in 2013, I started running again.
“It was MAAC Track [Mid Atlantic Athletic Club], and particularly coaches Steve Burgess and Tony Bean, that reignited my passion for running and set me off on a journey that has taken me to some amazing places, taught me some valuable life lessons, and allowed me to meet some incredible people.”
