Chris Estwanik led from start to finish to capture a second successive Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby crown and reaffirm his status as the king of the roads.

The former US track star completed the 13.1 mile race course nearly four minutes ahead of second placed runner Tyler Butterfield – some 52 seconds slower than the record time of one hour, eight minutes and 25 seconds he set last year en route to a maiden Derby title.

The Ohio-born runner exploded off the start line in Somerset and for the first mile, which he covered in a pulsating four minutes and 25 seconds, was shadowed by former top triathlete Butterfield.

But once Estwanik turned on the after burners heading over Scaur Hill, the race effectively ended as a contest as the former Team Nike Farm runner paced himself to victory in one hour, nine minutes and 17 seconds.

With his rivals trailing way behind in his wake, perhaps the biggest hurdle the American encountered was when two children ran out onto the course near the nine-mile mark on Harbour Road, forcing the race leader to break stride and take evasive action.

But other than that minor distraction, Estwanik had things all his own way and seemed to bask in the moment when pregnant wife Ashley – who won the women's title in last year's Derby to make it a family affair – offered her support from the bow of a cabin cruiser anchored off Spit Head in Warwick.

"It was just so awesome and such a privilege to be able to have her on the sidelines cheering me on," he said. "I know it's been hard for her, but she has been such a big supporter of me and we have a great competitive spirit between us."

Also backing Estwanik was his family who flew into the Island to watch their son compete in the Derby for the first time.

"It was also fun to have my family here to see me run; they haven't seen me run since 2005 and it was great for them to finally see what Bermuda is all about," he added.

"It was fun for my family to see what this race is all about. I have tried to paint a picture about what this race is all about, but you never really appreciate it until you have witnessed it for yourself."

As for his dominant display, Estwanik commented: "I know it wasn't a pretty thing, but I was able to get it done out there.

"It was so tough out there. Thirteen miles on the hot roads . . . I was just trying to find any shade I could. I was 50 seconds slower than last year, but it was definitely a harder effort and I am pleased with what happened out there."

After opening up a commanding lead, the heat and blistering pace took its toll on Estwanik who encountered dizziness as he climbed the infamous Burnt House Hill, forcing him to take his foot slightly of the gas.

"I wanted to make a statement that I am strong enough and you have to take risks in order to be successful. But I had to back it down a bit because I thought I might have been taking too much of a risk," he explained.

"I think the heat and humidity finally caught up with me but thank God the crowd was there because that's the part of the race where you really have to dig deep.

"It was a really special race and I am so thankful to the crowds and all the support everyone has shown me."

Second placed runner Butterfield also had good reason to be upbeat after recording a personal best time of one hour, 13 minutes and 16 seconds competing in only his second Derby.

The former triathlete and professional cyclist stunned many when he broke free of the pack with Estwanik at the start.

"I don't know if that was the smartest thing to do. I didn't know if he (Estwanik) would go out fast and settle in and I thought I'd just go and see," he commented.

"I thought I'd go out with him and see how it feels. It was fun going out with Chris but he was above my level . . . he's just a world class runner and it's great for Bermuda to see what a world class runner can do."

Third place honours went to Lamont Marshall who covered the course in one hour, 13 minutes and 57 seconds.

After a slow start, Marshall reeled in Butterfield on Harbour Road to claim possession of second place. But a late surge from Butterfield in Hamilton pushed Marshall back to third where he remained the rest of the way.

"Tyler and I ran together over the middle part of the course before I put a bit of distance between us," Marshall said. "But eventually I faded and Tyler caught me."

Butterfield added: "I didn't think I would see Lamont again after he pulled away from me on Harbour Road. But I got a second wind and passed him near the Fire Station.

"I am not as fast as some of these guys, but I can go the distance. I just tried to settle in and run at my own pace because I knew I was pushing it a bit."

Marshall congratulated Estwanik on winning his second straight Derby crown as well the race organisers who ensured the event ran smoothly.

"I take my hat off to Chris. It was a spectacular race and the organisers did an great job," he said. "This is by far my favourite race of the year and I am glad to have been a part of it."

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