A stout defence by the reigning champion; the tearful 'retirement' of a top performer and the stunning pull-out of a perennial winner ? such was the drama of yesterday's highly-anticipated Marathon Derby.

Despite a heroic and dogged challenge from Jay Donawa ? still aching for his first-ever May 24 success ? it was Terrance Armstrong who chested the tape at the National Sports Centre to retain his title in one hour, 14 minutes and 38 seconds.

Overhauling his pal and early pacesetter Donawa on Burnt House Hill, the overseas-based athlete blazed a steady trail through Harbour Road, into Hamilton and onto a glorious conclusion at the stadium.

"I'm excited. It was great when I crossed the line but I had to keep moving because I had some cramps towards the end of the race.

"I'm happy that it worked out to my advantage again this year," said a beaming Armstrong.

In his wake, Donawa ? unable to make up distance on the easy-striding, two-time winner ? had to settle for second for the seventh agonising occasion in succession, clocking 1:15:33.

Beating the entire field except for one man was distressing enough for this stalwart of local athletics but his frustration was deepened by his compatriots' cruel remarks.

"The most disheartening thing about this race is not that I finished second but all the negativity that I had to endure during the race, especially in the last quarter of it ? hearing all kinds of stupidity from people.

"People can't really appreciate what we go through. They don't know anything at all about running. All they do is sit up every year with their painted toes and shout out negative things.

"I didn't wake up this morning to come second. That wasn't an option. I went out there and tried to win the race the best way I thought I could. Terrance was just a stronger, better competitor on the day and I've got to give him credit for that.

"I can handle losing but it's having to endure all the criticism from people that hurts," declared the 32-year-old.

In tearful exasperation, Donawa then dropped a bombshell.

"It might be premature but right now I think I've run my last race in Bermuda. I think I'm finished. My primary reason is all the ignorance from people on the sidelines.

"I get more enjoyment running overseas. You would think that, as a local boy, people would support you but when you're down and out people just try to step all over you and that's what happened today.

"I'd rather run with no spectators than with crowded streets and hearing things like 'you're the bridesmaid again' and 'you're second again' and all that nonsense.

"This is it for me. I've run my last race here," he vowed, his voice choking emotionally.

Donawa, who had previously played second fiddle to nine-time champion Kavin Smith before losing to Armstrong last year, had set off from Somerset at a furious pace, opening a lead of at least 100 metres before Armstrong, sporting his trademark oxygenated socks, began gradually eating away at it.

"I found a comfortable pace and stayed there for the first four or five miles and I didn't worry about anyone else," disclosed Armstrong.

"I was running my own race and Jay ran his race as best he could and he felt going out hard was his best strategy. Unfortunately he wasn't able to come with me when I made that move over Burnt House Hill but it worked out for me. I was able to pick up the pace and gain a good lead and then slow down at the end when I was starting to feel the pain but I still had a little bit left to win it."

The New Jersey resident felt confident, as he accelerated past Donawa, that once he could increase his pace progressively, without exerting himself too much, he would be well placed to keep his crown.

Now savouring back-to-back victories, the 33-year-old was still loathe to declare that he has mastered the arduous event.

"You could never have this race figured out, believe me. It's different every year and I run it differently every year.

"It's a matter of me coming here and adjusting to the course, the pace, heat and humidity and the runners around me and just hoping it plays out to my benefit. I think I have mastered myself on this course. I know how to run it but I can never say that I have mastered the course or that I come here confident of winning every year."

Regarding his tactics, Donawa explained he "didn't want to sit back and worry about what Terrance or Kavin were doing . . . and get caught in a shoot-out at the end with Terrance" as happened last year.

"I felt good in the first half of the race. Terrance caught me but I didn't give up. I tried to keep him in sight but at the end I wasn't able to close the gap on him. I started to fatigue just as I'm sure he did as well," he said, thanking those fans who encouraged him.

Meanwhile, young Larry Marshall jr enhanced his credentials with a sterling effort for third place in 1:17:14.

The college senior's performance was further revelation of the burgeoning talent within the Marshall clan with younger brother, Lamont, having placed fourth last year.

"It was all right. I'm somewhat disappointed. I really thought I had what it took to win today but I didn't put it together on the day," said the 22-year-old.

"I got caught running by myself for a while and then the gap started growing and once that started happening late in the race it was hard to reel them back in."

Marshall, who has excelled on the track for St. Augustine's College in North Carolina this season, noted it was always going to be a "mental thing" to adjust from track running to road racing.

"I knew I would have to be gutsy coming down the last three or four miles. I thought maybe if I was in contention my chances would be good but it didn't pan out as I hoped for," he said, surmising that it was perhaps a mistake not to challenge the leaders earlier.

The outcome still left him with a lot of hope for future May 24 races.

"Yes, hopefully, I will win it. You can't be sure but I hope to win one day."

Spectators were shocked to see another favourite, Smith, call it quits by Jews Bay.

Having relinquished his vice grip on the Marathon Derby on the threshold of a tenth triumph last year, a powerful comeback was expected from the wily veteran.

It was not to be, though, as hamstring woes thwarted his plans in the fifth mile, causing the 38-year-old to pull out and hitch a ride to town on an ambulance. He walked the rest of the route to the stadium but did not officially complete the course despite being listed as the 201st finisher in 2:00:04.