Mark Morrison Returns For Mile And Marathon
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian Mark Morrison will return to the island to compete in his first Butterfield Mile race for almost two decades on Friday [January 12].
Morrison, 39, was once considered one of the most promising young runners in Bermuda, twice winning the Heritage Day Junior Classic and dominating the junior cross-country scene.
He also claimed the bronze medal in the boys’ junior individual race at the Central American and Caribbean Cross Country Championships on home soil in 2001, helping Bermuda to silver in the boys’ team event.
Morrison admits he lost his way for several years because of issues in his personal life, but feels rejuvenated after moving to England, where he has trained with the Team Thie Elite Running Group based in Cardiff, Wales.
James Thie, who runs the team, has a connection with the island, having won the Front Street Mile elite men’s race in 2003 and 2004.
Morrison, who will also make his marathon debut in the PwC Bermuda Marathon on Sunday, told Bernews: “Race Weekend has a great history. I was heavily part of it as a youngster, racing in the primary and secondary school mile, which I won, and podiumed in the local men’s race.
“People come out for the Front Street Mile and May 24 – that’s where you make your name in Bermuda. Bermudians love showing off, and I’m no different!”
Morrison, the son of Dave Morrison, an influential figure in local triathlon, said he hopes to push elite mile favourites Dage Minors and Lamont Marshall all the way.
“I have a lot of respect for Dage and Lamont – they’re built differently to me,” said Morrison, who was the ninth male finisher in the Regent’s Park Winter 10K Series in London last month.
“I’m much lighter and smaller than those guys, so I’ll have to drive it all the way. I’ll look to hold on to the lead pack, sit in the groove, and see how we go.
“If it comes to a burnout in the last 150 metres, I won’t be able to beat Dage or Lamont, but if the race slows down, maybe I can make a break for it in the last 600 metres.”
The former Saltus Grammar School student, who now lives in Pembury, Gloucester, said he always wanted to make his marathon derby on the island and intends to “work off” defending champion Dennis Mbelenzi.
“I’m a bit older now, so the longer distances make more sense,” added Morrison, who is sponsored locally by Island Construction Services Tires.
“James [Thie] has told me to feel it out and reminded me that it’s not about the times in Bermuda, it’s about the positions. He told me to treat it like a championship race and follow the moves.
“It’s a tough course and there’s some energy sapping hills. If you go out hard during those first 16 miles, you will pay!”
Welcome back you have been a miss on the circuit and look forward to cheering you along. All the best
Welcome back. Push yourself and all the rest of us to be better!