the Island when she brushed aside an all-female field yesterday to win the fourth annual PartnerRe 5K.

She underlined her superiority from the outset and romped home in a time of 18:57, falling short of her own record of 18:26 set last year on the hilly, circular course which started at the Botanical Gardens. "It was hotter than last year,'' said the 37-year-old runner who reckoned that she lost about five seconds by fumbling a half-way water pick-up. But she still managed to nail mile splits of 5:42, 6:27 and 6:17 respectively for the course.

Lynn Patchett (34) was second in 19:20 while 49-year-old masters runner Annette Hallett, who will represent Bermuda at the Boston Marathon next Monday, was third with a time of 20:30.

A total of 232 runners and walkers took part in the charity event to raise funds for Fair Havens which is Bermuda's only treatment centre for women with drugs and alcohol addictions.

"We had perfect weather, a great turnout and very competitive times,'' said race director Rosemary Jones, of Mid Atlantic Athletic Club.

"We are very grateful to our title sponsor PartnerRe and to all our supporting sponsors who can be proud of making happen a very popular race.

Women love this event and we hope to make it bigger and better every year.'' Age group winners included Jennifer Eberman in the 16-29 division, Rosa Peichoto (fourth overall) in the 30 to 39 group, Carolyn Conway in the 40 to 49 year-old division and Marian Lines in the 50-plus category.

In the juniors, Danlia Martin won the under-11 category while last year's winner Shellicia McKenzie was first among the 11-13 division. Triathlete Chloe Kempe won the 14-15 division.

Jean Gardner powered through the 5k walking event on the same course with a first place finish for the second straight year, followed by Valerie Cheape and Nathalie Luthi. In the family team category mother-daughter Midge and Mandy Oliver claimed the top prize for the second successive year.