Three of Bermuda's road running veterans led the way among more than 50 locals who took part in yesterday's annual New York City Marathon.

Former Commonwealth Games runner Brett Forgesson, the first local finisher in Bermuda's own January International Marathon for several years, clocked two hours, 51 minutes and 55 seconds to place 218th overall in a field which numbered more than 35,000.

Thirty nine year-old Forgesson was followed across the line by 41-year-old Ricky Sousa who was the only other local to break the three-hour barrier. He finished in 2:56:29 for 322nd place overall.

Next in for Bermuda was Manuel Lopes, 44, who is believed to have completed more New York marathons than any other Bermudian.

However, his time yesterday of 3:08:25, placing him 708th, was some half an hour outside his personal best.

Lynn Patchett, who collected two gold medals at last weekend's Caribbean Cycling Championships in St.Vincent ? albeit in a field of just three riders ? was the first local female to finish yesterday's 26.2 mile race, clocking 3:28.36 to place 245th in the women's division and 2,242nd overall.

Many of those from Bermuda who completed the race were running to raise funds for local charities.

Other finishing times included: Colin Swan 3:13:30; Geoffrey Blee 3:13:53; Stuart Mackellar 3:29:09; Martin Nearon 3:41:57; Thierry Masquelin 3:42:40; Rene Lamer 3:50:33; Gary Wilson 3:56:40; Philip Cooper 4:25:35; Janet Wheelan 4:50:38; Margaret Burgess-Howie 5:10:17; and Ronny Depoortere 5:32:18.

Times of other local runners could not be confirmed at press time last night.