It was a weekend of big surprises for Linsey Sullivan, thanks to romantic boyfriend Karl Neumann.

Mr Neumann had already amazed his running mate by whisking her away from Seattle, Washington, to compete in The Royal Gazette Bermuda Triangle Challenge at short notice.

But then he had something even more special up his sleeve — or in his pocket — when he pulled out a diamond ring at Horseshoe Bay on Saturday and asked her to marry him.

The happy couple, who have been together for five years, celebrated by crossing the line hand in hand in the PwC Bermuda Half-Marathon, finishing 93rd and 94th in the same time of 1hr 45min 26sec.

Mr Neumann, 29, said: “On the 15th, it was her birthday and she came home from work and I surprised her and said, ‘You’ve got to pack, we’re leaving in four hours for Bermuda.’

“We do a lot of running together, that’s one of the things we love to do.”

Mr Neumann popped the question after the couple, who were taking part in the Half Challenge, had completed the second of three races, the BF&M 10K.

He said: “We went down to Horseshoe Bay and she had no idea as well. I got hold of some photographers over here and they did a really good job of being discreet about it.

“We caught the perfect sunset and it was just so beautiful. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and proposal, this island is absolutely beautiful.”

Ms Sullivan, 28, said her partner had successfully kept it all under wraps as they prepared for the gruelling three races.

She said: “I had no idea. I was reading my book and he wanted to go to another beach for the proposal and I was like, ‘Let me finish my chapter’.

“He was getting antsy, though I didn’t realise it at the time. But it turned out perfect.”

Mr Neumann added: “We’re from Seattle and it’s a little wet and rainy there and had a snowstorm this week, so it was fantastic to get this warm weather. This is practically summer for us.

“What a great event. We do a lot of races together and this was really well done. The co-ordinators were fantastic.

“It’s a beautiful island with beautiful people. Everybody is so friendly and hospitable. We really love it. It was the perfect weekend for us. I can’t tell you enough how we enjoy the people on the island.”

Ms Sullivan ran with the ring on her finger and was still beaming after completing the race.

“It’s a truly special place,” she said.