Chris Estwanik is looking forward to defending his Bermuda Half Marathon Derby title in what will be his only race appearance for the year.

The 42-year-old made a triumphant return from a six-year hiatus after storming to a seventh victory in last year’s event from St George’s to Bernard Park.

Estwanik is going in to the race, scheduled for May 27, with the expectation of performing to the best of his ability on the big day.

“My expectations are the same as every year in that there will be great competition with so many people in Bermuda running at the top of their game right now,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I have always just gone into races and expected the most of myself, that is the only thing I can control.”

As for his preparations, Estwanik added:

“I am training more efficiently as the body cannot handle the high mileage that it once could. This is a common theme for ageing athletes.”

The 13.1-mile race made a return last year after being cancelled in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic but saw the number of participants restricted.

The restriction has since been lifted, with the event now set to return to normal for the first time since, much to the delight of Estwanik.

“I think it says a lot about how much I appreciate the atmosphere considering this will be the only race I run this year,” he added.

“Running is a very lonely sport most of the time and an athlete spends a great deal of time living in his or her own head.

So to have so many people lining the streets in support of this race is a welcomed change for us all.”

More than 500 runners have already registered for the race, which will start from Somerset.