Ryan Outerbridge On Bermuda Day Race
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Ryan Outerbridge said he hopes to go one better and possibly win the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby title after finishing runner-up behind Lamont Marshall last year.
Outerbridge produced an eye-catching display 12 months ago, finishing the annual 13.1-mile race in 1hr 14min 44sec – 17 seconds behind Marshall.
“Last year was exciting and gave me a lot of joy,” Outerbridge told Bernews.
“It was the first time I’d been able to put my race together and execute it the way I can.
“I’m hoping to go one spot better this time around!”
Although Outerbridge expects multiple champion Marshall to be the man to beat, he believes Sean Trott and Trey Simons can also mount a title challenge.
“Lamont is favourite, but Sean and Trey can win on their day too if they can execute,” he said.
“Tactics play a huge role. I’ll look to run my own race; I don’t want to let anyone else dictate the way I run.
“Obviously, I won’t be letting anyone get too far ahead of me, though.
“I’ll look to go out a little conservatively because it’s easy to go off too fast from the East End as it starts off relatively flat compared to the West End.
“You need to save something for the latter parts of the race when there’s more hills.”
The race holds a deep personal meaning for Outerbridge, who grew up competing in the Heritage Day Junior Classic.
“This race is so special to me and all Bermudian distance runners,” Outerbridge said.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to compete in this race and one day win it.”
The Franklin Pierce University student heads into the race in fine form, having recently earned NCAA Division II All-Region selection in three events: 1,500 metres, the steeplechase, and the 5,000 metres.
He also won two gold medals at the Northeast-10 Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Track at New Balance.
Outerbridge first triumphed in the 3,000 metres steeplechase before winning the men’s 10,000 metres. He was named the meet’s MVP.
“I’ve had a really good final year competing for Franklin Pierce,” he added.
“Hopefully, I can build on that momentum heading into this race.”
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