While Tyler Butterfield has enjoyed significant success on both the international professional road cycling circuit and amongst the world’s elite triathlon ranks, including twice competing in the Olympic Games in triathlon (London 2012 and Athens 2004), his victory in the Appelby Bermuda Half Marathon Derby on May 24th was especially poignant. The 2013 race marked Butterfield’s first win in this historic event, wherein he clocked a 1:15:03 finish and claimed the title that his own mother, Debbie Butterfield, also owned a record seven times (1987, 1986, 1982, 1980, 1979, 1978 and 1977).
“It feels incredible to finally take the win here,” said an elated Butterfield, who has frequently finished in the field’s top five. “It’s not only a sporting victory for me, but an opportunity to deliver a special performance in front of my family, friends and local sponsors that make my racing career abroad possible,” he continued. “And of course carrying on my mum’s winning tradition makes it extra meaningful. My dad’s been on the podium here a few times as well, so I’m particularly proud to back up my parents’ success.”
The half marathon, which began in 1909 as a quaint local contest with 25 participants and has since morphed into the marquis event on Bermuda’s race calendar featuring a field of over 700 competitors.
“The crowds are what make this race so amazing,” said Butterfield. “People literally line the course every step of the way. It’s just a great celebration of what makes Bermuda such an amazing place and a perfect way to kick off Bermuda Day. You can’t help but enjoy it, no matter where you finish or whether you’re one of the thousands of spectators.”
Butterfield, along with his wife Nikki and daughter Savana, is certainly making the most of his time in Bermuda. In addition to racing the Marathon Derby, the family’s month-long visit includes the celebration of two friends’ weddings and support of the Tokio Millenium Re Sprint Triathlon, the title sponsor of which has long been Butterfield’s loyal sponsor. Following that race, the family will return to their U.S. home base in Boulder, Colorado for the remainder of the triathlon season, where Butterfield will focus on fine-tuning preparations for Ironman 70.3 Vineman (July 14th) and Ironman 70.3 Racine (July 21st). Depending on his performances at these two races, his aim is to secure enough qualification points to represent Bermuda at the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in October, the sport’s pinnacle long-course event.
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