Sean Trott On Bermuda Day Half-Marathon
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Sean Trott hopes this will be the year he achieves his ambition of winning the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby.
Trott has finished runner-up four times, including last year’s controversial race when Kenyan Dennis Mbelenzi broke the tape but was deemed ineligible for the win as a non-resident.
Bermudian Lamont Marshall, who finished behind Mbelenzi, was awarded the victory instead.
Trott enters Friday’s race in fine form after winning the Swan’s Running Club Legends Series and finishing second behind Chris Estwanik – an eight-times May 24 winner – in the RenaissanceRe 10-Mile Challenge last month.
He also believes he is far better prepared than last year when he suffered sickness and injury a few months before the 13.1-mile race, which starts in Somerset.
“Although I came second, I take plenty of pride from my RenaissanceRe performance,” Trott told Bernews. “To be competitive with Chris gives me the most confidence.
“I believe I’m on for something better than last year when I had some setbacks with illness and injury. I’ve done significantly more miles this time around.”
The 34-year-old, who ran a personal best of 1hr 12min 56sec in 2011, believes Marshall, a four-times champion, Chayce Smith, a runner-up in 2014, and Ryan Outerbridge will be his chief rivals.
“I always target this race – it’s my main focus,” Trott said.
“I’m not downplaying my seconds and thirds, but the big goal is to get the win.
“I know Lamont Marshall, Chayce Smith, and Ryan Outerbridge have signed up. I’m going to have to look out for those guys.”
The fallout from the controversy surrounding last year’s race has promoted the race organisers to limit participation to Bermudians and Bermudian residents of at least six months, a decision which sparked debate within the community.
Trott, however, has called for calm and hopes for a harmonious occasion where the whole island comes together to encourage the runners and celebrate Bermuda.
“I’m never to be one to stir up controversy, but I know people are torn [on the decision], Trott said.
“As a Christian, my main goal is to promote community and unity. Hopefully, I can help brighten the mood.
“We’re all in this together; that’s my approach to the day.”
Once again, Trott will run in support of the Grace Island Project, organised by Word of Life Bermuda.
Word of Life Bermuda – a Christian mission organisation committed to helping youngsters – holds summer camps on Grace Island, in the Great Sound, for 11 to 17-year-olds.
Joining Trott in raising funds to help upgrade the Grace Island are top local runner Megan Berry and North Village footballer Kyler Knights.
For more details on the Grace Island Project click here
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