Sean Trott successfully defended his Lindo’s to Lindo’s 10K title to complete a hat-trick of victories in the event.

Competing among a field of 261 runners on the tough course from Lindo’s Family Foods in Warwick to Lindo’s Market in Devonshire, the 34-year-old held off the challenge of Moses Mufandaedza to cross the line in a winning time of 34min 42sec.

Mufandaedza finished 43 seconds adrift, with Thomas Mills rounding out the top three overall finishers a further 30 seconds behind.

“I’m delighted to have completed a treble of victories,” said Trott, who is aiming to be at peak form in time for the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby.

“This is definitely one of the tougher courses in Bermuda, but it was perfect conditions out there with no rain or wind.

“Racing against Moses for long periods, we had some very quick middle miles and then I managed to get away at the end.

“Even though the time was a little slower than I would have liked, I’m just happy to get the win.

“To have this race three times means a lot to me and it kind of gives me a legacy with this event which is really nice.

“I’ve had a good start to the season, much better than last year, and so now I’m looking to keep progressing ahead to May 24.

“My form is looking good, I’m doing the right amount of mileage and so right now I feel like I’m where I need to be.”

Mufandaedza conceded the punishing nature of the hilly course ultimately proved pivotal in taking its toll in his pursuit of Trott.

“I managed to stay with him until about the four-mile mark, but the hills just proved too much,” he said. “Sean is a lighter guy then me. He’s so quick up the hills and so I just had to eventually let him go.

“In a 10K race the hills really make a major difference and so I could only watch on as he flew up them.

“However, overall I felt like I had good race and I’m happy with my finish.”

Gayle Lindsay was the first female finisher, crossing the line in 41:15 which was good enough for eleventh place overall.

Stepanka Sprincova was the second female finisher, more than 90 seconds adrift, (42:59) in eighteenth, with Karen Smith rounding out the podium places in a time of 44:32, to finish 27th overall.

The event also included a competitive four-mile walk category which was won by Mike Watson, among 56 entrants, in a time of 36:32.

Tim Price finished as runner-up, slightly more than 90 seconds behind in 38:03, with Paul Hayward completing the top-three placings, in 39:09.

Laura Wright was the first female finisher in fifth in a time of 42:42, ahead of Nancy Andrews-Sousa (43:51) in seventh place and Sandra O’Brien (45:44) in eighth place overall.