Kenyan runner Shadrack Biwot stole the show in last night's KPMG Front Street Mile, beating two-time winners Neil Speaight and James Thie.

Speaight and Thie had both been battling to become the first ever competitor to win three elite mile titles but it was Biwot who claimed victory, finishing in a time of 4.11.4.

Cheered on by thousands of spectators who lined Front Street, Biwot left Speaight and Thie trailing in his wake as he exploded towards the finishing line to win his first Front Street Mile title.

Defending champion Speaight placed second in a time of 4.12.8 while his good friend Thie took third position, clocking 4.13.6.

"Everything just went to plan, " said Biwot. "I just tried to press the pace and stay relaxed. Things got a little bit hairy going back up the hill but I kept the pressure on. I picked the right moment and just let everything go."

Biwot said he was thrilled to finish ahead of two-time winners Speaight, of England, and Welshman Thie.

"I knew I was racing against two two-time winners and they both are pretty good guys, I have a lot of respect for both of them," he said. "I just paid attention to my own plan and did not worry about anyone else's.

"I am very happy to win and I plan to run the 10K tomorrow (today). I may also race on Sunday as well if I have anything left in the tank. I access things on a daily basis."

In his elite mile debut, Bermuda's Lamont Marshall came last but very nearly pulled off a shock by beating Kenyan Richard Tirop Kessio who finished four tenths of a second ahead of him.

In the adult local male race, Evan Naude reigned supreme, finishing in a time of 4.31.3 ahead of Masters runner Gary Raynor (4.32.7) and Matthew Spring (4.44.6). Rising track athlete Spring required medical attention following his impressive run.

Promising teenager Sean Trott, who came fifth in last year's May 24 Marathon Derby, placed fourth while national team footballer and Bermuda Hogges winger, Damon Ming, finished tenth in a time of 5.01.0.