AJ Ernst takes the men’s elite title; Gina McNamara win’s the women’s elite title
AJ Ernst is the 2026 Butterfield Mile Champion
The American delivered a thrilling performance tonight, beating out last year’s champion, Ben Claridge of the UK, and coming within 5 seconds of breaking the four-minute barrier. Roared on by a packed Front Street crowd, Ernst surged to the line to secure the win, just missing out on the ten-thousand-dollar bonus for a sub-four-minute mile.
After the race, Ernst said he was delighted with the result, adding that had he known how close he was to breaking four minutes, he would have pushed a little harder down the stretch.
Ryan Outerbridge was the first Bermudian across the line, finishing fifth in a time of 4:14.99. Kallan Richardson placed eleventh, while Sean Trott finished fifteenth.
Gina McNamara is the 2026 Women’s Elite Champion
In the women’s elite race, Gina McNamara claimed the title. After finishing third in 2025, the 31-year-old American returned stronger this year, crossing the line in 4:50.60 — nearly four seconds ahead of defending champion Anna Vess and seven seconds clear of last year’s runner-up Ellie Stevens.
New Record in Girls U13
Naomi MacGuiness sets at new course record in the 2026 girls U13 Butterfield Mile in a time of 5:15.97. Collette Durkin finished second in a time of 5:24.46. Evelyn Fahy rounding out the podium in a time of 5:25.35
