Derby to start in St George's in 2015

It’s a return to tradition.

The Appleby Bermuda Half Marathon Derby will start in St George’s next year.

In the early days of the race, the Derby would alternate between the east and west ends.

One of the hurdles race officials had to overcome that their predecessors didn’t when it was run from St George’s was making sure it did not interfere with people getting to and from their flights at LF Wade International Airport.

The new route, which has been officially measured and certified as a half marathon, will journey out of the Town of St George’s, along North Shore, up Middle Road/Flatt’s Hill, down Lane Hill onto Front Street and into Hamilton along the standard route in the City, finishing atBernard’s Park.

Bermuda Half Marathon Derby committee president, Dr Gina Tucker said in a relase: “After many years of deliberation and countless requests from east end residents, we are excited to have the race come from the east next year. Most residents are unaware of the fact that the race started and/or finished in St Georges or St David’s for many years. This change will have us reignite this tradition of having the Derby start in the east. Coinciding with the Cup Match tradition, the route will alternate starting in the east and west providing a new challenge for our participants while also giving east-end residents the opportunity to enjoy watching the race from their back yards.”

This year, the Appleby Bermuda Half Marathon will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Appleby’s sponsorship of the race, a financial contribution that totals $350,000. Dr. Tucker stated, “The success of this event would not have been possible without the appreciative support of Appleby as they have provided significant financial and volunteer support over the past 10 years. Thank you Appleby.”

The registration deadline for this year is this Friday, 16 May 2014 and the late registration deadline is Friday, 23 May 2014. Registration after this point can only take place at the number pick-up at Appleby, Church Street Entrance, on Saturday, 23 May from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For complete registration details, go to www.bermudamarathon.bm.