Defending May 24 champion Chris Estwanik took the racecourse by storm as he became the Lindo's to Lindo's champion for the second year running.

In his preparation for the Bermuda Day spectacle, Estwanik did not disappoint in the 10k race on Sunday, repeating as champion and winning by an impressive three minutes ahead of his nearest competitor, in a time of 31 minutes, 38 seconds.

It was Estwanik who took the field out and established a lead that he would never relinquish.

Second place went to Evan Naude in 34 minutes, 59 seconds, while Simon Ashley (36:50), Calvert Lee (37:24), and Chris Harris (37:31) rounded out the top five.

Being on a different training regime, which includes upping his road running on a weekly basis, the champion has set his sights on repeating his 2008 performance in the Island's premier road race and will prepare by competing in a few more races as the date gets closer.

"Overall it felt pretty good being out there, " said Estwanik. "I have been training very hard and pushing myself a little harder than I have done in previous years. I'm definitely running on tired legs.

"I ran a bit slower than last year but was generally pleased with the outcome.

"The way you approach being that far ahead is setting time goals, your body gets prepared for the strains about to be put on it. When I go into races I always expect someone to be next to me because you don't know who is new to the local scene or anyone who has the consistency to be up there with me.

"It just comes back to knowing your running capabilities, and being able to push your body while someone may be pushing you.

"I haven't raced as much as I did last year, but I have just been trying to do more quality running. This time last year I was doing maybe one good run a week opposed to now doing good sessions.

"The best way to look at it is working hard early in the season, and then back off just before May 24 and then hopefully the legs will be back in.

"You teach your body how to run even though you're still tired, so you have to be careful not to over-train. There is no turning back once you have done that."