Runner Dennis Mbelenzi has accepted a personal apology from motorist Willis Dill following the dramatic navigational error that cost him victory in the 2026 Goslings and Hamilton Princess "Rum to the Beach" race.
The two men met at Mbelenzi’s workplace today after Dill went out of his way to express his regret for inadvertently leading the pre-race favorite off the course. Mbelenzi, who was a significant distance clear of the field at the time of the incident, followed Dill’s motorcycle in the closing stages of the 7.13-mile trek.
Mbelenzi had been in scintillating form, looking set to reclaim the title he last won in 2018. However, upon reaching Middle Road in Southampton, he mistakenly veered up the punishing incline of Southampton Princess Hill instead of making the scheduled straight run onto Lighthouse Hill.
The confusion arose because there was no official lead bike present for the runners at that stage of the race. Dill, a member of the public who was merely tracking Mbelenzi’s progress, later told IslandStats.com he found the lack of an official lead marshal "strange" and had not intended to misdirect the leader.
The navigational slip-up saw Mbelenzi’s commanding lead evaporate, allowing defending champion Philip Woollins to pounce and secure victory in 42:54. Mbelenzi eventually recovered to finish but was left well outside the podium places.
Despite the frustration of losing a near-certain win, Mbelenzi was full of praise for Dill’s decision to apologize in person.
"A very gracious Mr. Dill came to see me this morning about yesterday’s race," Mbelenzi told www.islandstats.com. "We had a very nice conversation and he’s now a fan of mine. I’m very humbled by his act. He went out of his way to come and see me and for that I truly appreciate it. It is one more reason I love Bermuda and its people".
Mbelenzi will now turn his attention to this Friday’s Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge, where he is expected to be a top contender in the international field.
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