Pregnancy will not prevent Rose-Anna Hoey from preparing to compete in the Bermuda Marathon Weekend 10K.

The defending Bermuda International Triangle Half-Marathon Challenge female champion may be eight months’ pregnant, but she still plans to pound the pavements, albeit at a comfortable jogging pace.

Cutting down her mileage in recent months, the 32-year-old is content with running for recreation rather than competitively in next week’s race.

“I would like to say that we are so lucky to have such an amazing event [Bermuda Marathon Weekend] on our doorstep here,” Hoey said.

“I have registered for the 10K, but since I will be 34 weeks’ pregnant, a lot will depend on how my body feels that day.

“If I am able to take part, it will be a comfortable jog for me. If not, I will be out cheering on all of the runners/walkers, particularly our Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club athletes.”

Hoey ran in the Fairmont-to-Fairmont last weekend, clocking a time of 51 minutes, 52 seconds on her way to 50th place.

Surprised with her time, given the circumstances, Hoey, who hails from Ireland, believes local runners Ashley Estwanik, Jennifer Alen and Tamika Williams could push for honours in the 10K.

“Given that I am expecting, I have cut my mileage down by half and run comfortably pretty much every day.

“I was surprised by my pace on Sunday; my GPS watch went funny, so I was a bit confused as to what pace I was going at.

“I actually ran faster than I should have, but I felt very comfortable and could chat all the way round, which isn’t ‘race mode’ for me.

“Thankfully there are lots of great ladies here in Bermuda to fly the flag well. Ashley Estwanik, who is having a fantastic season, Tamika Williams, Deon Breary, Jennifer Alen, Victoria Fiddick, newcomer Krista Dyer and Laura Wright, who is just coming back after having had a baby herself, can all be up there.

“There’s such a strong bunch of female runners in Bermuda; it’s good to see. Everyone knows I love a good competition and you race so much better when others are there to push you.”

The Bermuda Triangle Challenge comprises of the KPMG Front Street Mile, 10K and half-marathon or full marathon. Hoey, the female Half Triangle Challenge record-holder, also finished as the fastest female in May 24 for her maiden victory.

“I was so lucky to have a fantastic season last year with winning the Cross Country Championships, winning and breaking the record for the Half Triangle Challenge, winning the Front Street Mile, a 2:58 marathon in Boston and of course the Half Marathon Derby,” she added.