Some of Bermuda's top road runners have praised the manner in which American Chris Estwanik romped to a record-breaking victory in Monday's Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby, leading from start to finish.

Estwanik finished an astonishing four minutes and six seconds ahead of second-placed Lamont Marshall, setting a new mark of one hour, eight minutes and 25 seconds.

Multiple champion, 41-year-old Kavin Smith, who finished fifth this year and lifted the Masters title, said he appreciated the tactics used by Estwanik, having won the big race in a similar fashion during the era in which he dominated the event.

"I have seen this tactic before . . . I used it many times to win the Derbies I won," said Smith yesterday.

"That's how you win the race and run fast times. I have told many people before that in order to win the race you have to take it to the course.

"The course is your main competitor, but here in Bermuda it is different with the humidity and other factors.

"People looked for my opinion on different things and I told them that I wasn't surprised that he won by some four minutes or so.

"Chris showed he is on the next level when he ran.

"If he really wants to focus on this type of distance, he will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come."

Estwanik's mark eclipsed the time set by Smith in 2000 of 1:09.36 ¿ although that year the course was slightly longer. It was changed to an official half-marathon (13.1 miles) last year.

"The course that I ran on was a little bit longer, so I was quite surprised how I did looking back on it," added Smith.

"His time gives me some pleasure to know that I could have competed with him when I was in my prime as he is a quality runner in his prime.

"Lamont (Marshall) showed what he has done in training and ran a personal best, and in my opinion that is great.

"I had a good time and enjoyed myself.

"I was satisfied to be up there with the young boys. I am a Master so to run with the front runners was well worth the enjoyment."

Smith noted he ran for a different cause than most, being a spokesman for the Committee of 25 and helping to promote awareness of the handicapped in Bermuda.

"I was pleased to be representing the Committee of 25, who asked if I would do the run to promote awareness that there are some out there without the ability to walk or do physical activities on their own.

"We don't realise that there are some out there who didn't ask for what they have received in life, so it was an honour to assist them.

"Many of these person sat there and watched us run, wanting to run or walk themselves but couldn't. This was the only reason I ran. I wanted to use my name and what I have done in the sport to help others in need.

"It is amazing to know that we can take for granted the little things in life and forget that there are people who are less fortunate than us."

Senior Masters winner, 50-year-old Sylvester Jean-Pierre, who finished seventh overall, said it was no surprise at the way in which Estwanik won.

"There was so much hype surrounding the race in the weeks leading up to it . . . will it be Marshall or will it be Chris, it was really exciting," said Jean-Pierre.

"My concern was if the weather changed, would Chris be able to handle it as the days before the race were rather cool.

"The weather was in his favour with the humidity not too high and the breeze was nice for his strategy. We knew that he would try to break early as he is a specialist at the short distance and you should use this to your advantage early on and see if it works.

"It reminded me of when Kevin Smith would break away in the first mile and cruise home with ease.

"But I am pleased with my performance overall as I have run this race for many years."

Looking towards the future, he said he anticipated a reply from the younger runners in light of what happened.

"I am looking forward to seeing Chayce Smith or the Marshalls bring their times down a little more. We could have great battles in years to come."