Philip Woollins and Teresa Ruiz have been crowned the 2026 Goslings and Hamilton Princess “Rum to the Beach” champions, but the headlines were stolen by a dramatic navigational blunder that cost Dennis Mbelenzi a certain victory.
Mbelenzi had established a commanding lead as the 7.13-mile race wound through the coastal curves of Harbour Road. However, the contest took a bizarre turn in Southampton when Mbelenzi mistakenly followed a member of the public on a motorcycle. The motorist, who later admitted he was merely tracking the runner and found the lack of official marshals “strange,” led Mbelenzi up the punishing incline of Southampton Princess Hill instead of the required onto Lighthouse Hill.
Woollins capitalized on the confusion to defend his title, crossing the line at the Hamilton Princess Beach Club in 42:54. Jonathan Ball took second in 43:37, with Will Ellison finishing third in 45:28. A frustrated Mbelenzi was left to reflect on what might have been as the chasing pack surged past his detour.
In the women’s field, Teresa Ruiz delivered a tactical masterclass, finishing eighth overall in 47:05 to secure the title. She held off a fierce challenge from Stepanka Sprincova, who finished just 14 seconds behind, while veteran marathoner Rose-Anna Hoey completed the podium in 49:16.
The race serves as the final warm-up for over 100 athletes before the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge kicks off this Friday. Based on today’s gritty performances, the local contingent appears in prime form for the international field awaiting them on Front Street.
