Former May 24 champion Kavin Smith and Jay Donawa found the going tough in difficult terrain at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Cross Country Championships over the weekend.

Jay Donawa finished the 8K course at Chain Lakes Park in Orlando, Florida, 12th with a time of 25:36, while Kavin Smith placed 18th in a time of 27:50 in the Senior Men's event that included 18 top runners from several countries.

Ten-time Derby winner Smith was relatively pleased with his performance considering his lack of training and preparation for the event and also urged more local road runners to give cross-country a chance.

"The event was challenging, everything about the event was challenging for me," said Smith. "I earned the trip based on my consistency at home, but I haven't been training at a high enough level to be competitive in that environment.

"Those years for me have passed. There is a big difference in running road races and cross country – the terrain is much more resistant.

"But all in all it was tough for me, not being where I used to be and training hard.

"Jay was more goal oriented heading into the race than I was.

He added: "I was a little disappointed that other runners don't participate in the cross country events in Bermuda.

"All you have to do is show up to the events and compete, that's how I got in.

"I went to each event and when it was done I was declared the champion. If someone else wanted to go, all they had to do was join in."