One of Bermuda's premier distance runners has been forced into early retirement after being plagued by injuries, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

For the past six months multiple National Cross Country champion, Jay Donawa, has been plagued by a foot injury and a tear in the wall of his abdomen and earlier this week the pain became too much to bear as he was forced to withdraw from the Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby.

After much consideration, the 36-year-old fireman decided to pull the plug on a glorious career spanning nearly two decades during which he captured two bronze medals at the CAC Games, amassed a record ten National Cross Country titles, and finished runner up in the Derby a record nine times.

Speaking exclusively to The Royal Gazette, Donawa said: "Having enjoyed 19 continued years in the sport, I am officially announcing my retirement from athletics. I have enjoyed every aspect of my career and have been afforded some great opportunities throughout.

"I have a tear in my abdominal wall and Mortons Neuroma in my right foot which will require surgery to correct. I have been plagued with these ailments for the last six months and as athletes we train through many aches and pains which is part and parcel of the sport."

With his running career now behind him, the Somerset resident is now considering furthering his education overseas.

"My overall health is of paramount importance at this time, therefore I am redirecting my focus. The dynamics of my life has changed and I am looking to go back to University and obtain a Masters Degree as I move in another career direction," he added.

Donawa said he has no regrets about walking away from a sport he has been involved in for the past 25 years.

"I am at peace with myself about my decision because running is an extension of my personality and not the definition.

"Therefore, I don't define myself based on results from a race," he added.

"I have never allowed myself to be defined by one particular result because I have enjoyed a considerable amount of success from my days as a Bermuda Pacer through Carifta, college and post collegiate."

He added: "I really enjoyed representing Bermuda and was proud to stand on the podium at the 1989 Carifta Games and lead Bermuda to two CAC Cross Country Team bronze medals in 1997 and 2001.

"I am extremely proud of the fact that I competed with genuine integrity and I never cheated the sport by using performance enhancing drugs or the like.

"I have always been a very disciplined athlete, but at this time my love (for the sport) has diminished greatly and it's time to step away.

"I believe that you should enjoy sport and when it becomes an arduous task you must make a decision (to quit)."

Donawa thanked his family, sponsors (The Pro Shop), fellow rivals and Primary School gym teacher Calvin Simons for their overwhelming support over the years.

"Next to my parents and family, Mr.Simons was the biggest influence on my career – he introduced me to the sport as my gym teacher at West End Primary and coach with the Bermuda Pacers Track Club," he said.

"My wife Keena has been my biggest supporter over the last 15 years and has allowed me at times to put my career before our family. I am forever grateful for the overwhelming support that I received.

"I don't like to call names because I know I will be remiss, but I must say I tried to model my life like Tracy Wright. Tracy has been very supportive and has passed on a wealth of knowledge to me over the years.

"Terrance Armstrong has been a true friend in every sense of the word. Although we competed against each other, we never allowed the results to come between our friendship.

"John (Buddy) Ford has been my advisor and over ten years has been a real mentor. The Pro Shop family have also been generous supporters of my career over the last 11 years.

"There are many others too numerous to mention, but I want to say thank you all for your contribution to my career and life. It has been a great ride!"