The bar was raised to unimagineable heights yesterday as former US track star Chris Estwanik obliterated the 13.1 mile Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby record and even the record established when the Island's biggest road race was run over a slightly different course.

Making his debut in the annual spectacle, Estwanik dictated the tempo from start to finish, setting a blistering pace on the way to recording one of the widest margins of victory witnessed in the modern era.

The Ohio-born runner broke the tape in a time of one hour, eight minutes and 25 seconds - an astonishing four minutes and six seconds ahead of second-placed runner Lamont Marshall (1:12:31) and over seven minutes in front of three-time winner, third-placed Terrance Armstrong (1:15:15).

Last year's winner Larry Marshall, who skipped this year's race because of injury, had set the previous course record of 1:12:11 and the fastest-ever Derby winner was Kavin Smith (fifth yesterday) who clocked 1:09:36 in 2000.

Unlike last year's event which was decided deep into the race, yesterday's race was all but over as early as the second mile mark where champion-elect Estwanik opened up a commanding 200-yard lead and ran away with proceedings while his rivals faded in the distance.

Estwanik ran a tactical race and showed little or no sign of fatigue, motoring along uncontested, averaging just over five minutes per mile on his way into Hamilton.

Not even the infamous incline that is Burnt House Hill nor head winds on Harbour Road could tame the runaway leader who fed off the swelling crowds scattered along the route.

And adding to the memorable occasion was wife Ashley who, fittingly, claimed women's honours to make this year's race a family affair.

So what was his stratagey? Quite simple, he explained afterwards.

"I know this sounds crazy . . . but I just wanted to go out and have fun. I've found throughout my years that if you keep it loose and fun, you end up doing well. And to be the honest the crowd did the rest of the work for me," Estwanik said.

The ex-Nike Farm Team runner established an early lead and never took his foot off the gas.

"I ran out a little quicker than I expected to and I think part of that was due to the crowd," he added. "I thought I was going to run about 5:15 and when I looked at my watch I said to myself, 'oh oh . . . 4:46'. Once you make a decision like that you are committed, and so off I went."

No one seemed up for the challenge, not even Armstrong or Marshall who were reduced to battling for second place honours for the rest of the way.

"I figured if I could make it to Crow Lane, the crowd would take over from there," Estwanik said. "And that's what happened because I was labouring pretty good, trying to keep smiling and relaxed out there all the way to the finish line."

It was the runner's first Bermuda Day Half-Marathon win at the first bite of the cherry - and a whole new experience.

"Half-Marathon running is a new thing to me and is really all about rhythm and staying in that mode moving forward at a relatively similar pace," he said. "Generally when you get going you want to put your foot on the gas and that's what I tried to do the whole way.

"There were some hills that kind of slowed me down and I ran some faster miles on the downhills. But by and by I think I kept a good pace and, of course, the first couple of miles were quicker than the rest."

Estwanik entered the race as a clear favourite and with each and every confident stride he demonstrated just why.

"I have never experienced anything like this before - it was a lot of fun," he said. "To be among some of the great ambassadors of the sport like Kavin Smith made it more special.

"There's just so many great competitors in this race and on the day anything can happen. Today was a day when I was fortunate to come out on top

"This is everybody's day and when you go out there and experience it - whether you are the first or last across the line - everybody has a unique experience out there. It's such an incredible thing."

Estwanik acknowledged all those who cheered him on to victory, describing the race atmosphere as "the best" he's ever experienced.

"It seemed like everybody was out for the race and this was by far the best crowd I've ever run with," he said. "When you are running 13 miles you need people out there cheering you on."

As for wife Ashley's equally impressive feat, Estwanik said: "For my wife to come out on top as well was really special. We train together and have been there for each other through injuries and sickness - all of the marriage stuff, till death do us part. This is a very special day for us today."

Ashley's mother, Peggy Couper, who has been competing in the event for more three decades, also ran yesterday, finishing in 1:50.22.

Meanwile, 20-year-old Chayce Smith placed a highly respectable fourth (1:15:32 just ahead of first Master Kavin Smith (1:16:02).

Sylvester Jean-Pierre was the first senior Master, placing seventh overall in a field of over 600 runners, in 1:22:37 and teenager Sean Trott was just ahead in sixth in 1:19:54.

Multiple runner-up in the race Jay Donawa suffered another disappointment yesterday, forced out by illness.