Name Change For Bermuda Day Half Marathon
Appleby and the organisers of the Bermuda Day Half Marathon today announced a further 5 year commitment to sponsor the half marathon held each 24 May, and also said that the event name will change from “Bermuda Half Marathon Derby” to “Appleby Half Marathon Derby” to reflect Appleby’s longstanding support as title sponsor.
Dr. Gina Tucker, President of the Appleby Half Marathon Derby Organising Committee, said: “Appleby has supported the half marathon for nine years, bringing its total contribution since 2005 to more than $300,000. The event’s new name and logo will be used on the official website and in promotional materials.”
Appleby Bermuda Managing Partner Kiernan Bell said: “Appleby has supported the half marathon on May 24 for nine years and is extremely proud to continue supporting this popular and culturally important event. Our aim with local projects is to encourage community spirit and inclusivity across all age groups and sectors, and ones that embody values of discipline, good sportsmanship and teamwork. We believe the half marathon captures these elements and feel strongly about aligning our name with it.”
Ms. Bell further commented: “With the half marathon having been in existence for over 100 years, it is one that is near and dear to many of us at Appleby. Personally, I grew up watching and supporting it, not least because my father ran it many times. The event captures the attention and imagination of runners and non runners alike and is a cultural mainstay and one engrained in celebrating the island’s unique heritage on Bermuda Day. The partners and I believe the Appleby Half Marathon Derby is and will always be one of great significance to our community and that we should continue supporting in any way we can.”
Dr. Gina Tucker said: “The partnership between the half marathon and Appleby could not be more perfect. Both boast long-standing history in our community and both are part of our unique heritage. We could not be more pleased with this partnership as it ensures support for this event for many years to come. ”
The half marathon has evolved over the last century since it was first held in 1909. As the longest standing race in Bermuda history, it first began when a small group of Somerset runners organized a race around the Sound. Today, the half marathon counts more than 1,000 runners participating each year.
The Appleby Half Marathon Derby will continue its ‘charitable giving’ element introduced in recent years with the Committee selecting recipients in need of funds.
Dr. Tucker stated: “This year, the charity focus will be on sports whereby the event will support young people in their various sporting endeavors which include running, swimming, tennis and soccer. The Committee is excited that these young people will benefit from this year’s Appleby Half Marathon Derby which is a celebration of the Bermudian spirit. We encourage as many runners and relay teams as possible to participate and support Bermuda’s rising sporting stars.”
Early registration process is now underway and participants can visit the Appleby Half Marathon Derby official website at www.bermudamarathon.bm. Registration deadline is Friday 10 May and late registration is Friday 17 May. Number pick-up and final registration will be held Saturday 18 May at Appleby [in courtyard, Church Street entrance].
Update April: Following a controversial reaction to this change, “Bermuda” has been put into the name of the race, organisers announced.
Read More About
Comments (64)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Articles that link to this one:
- MP Weeks: Include “Bermuda” In Race Name | Bernews.com | April 11, 2013
- “Bermuda” Put Back In Bermuda Day Race Name | Bernews.com | April 11, 2013
Selling Bermuda to the highest bidder? That is sad remove The word Bermuda for a corporate name. What happens if they do not renew in five years
I agree, it’s a sad day!! Should never have happened smh
Ummm, in case you hadn’t heard, Bermuda is BANKRUPT! Without sponsors like Appleby (and others) events like this would NO LONGER EXIST! If I spent this much money on sponsoring something, you can guarantee my name would be on it. Who else would you know who to say ‘THANK YOU” to?
UNBELIEVABLE!!! What a bunch of ungrateful, hate-filled, egocentric people we are! (Stop hiding behind “Bermuda Pride” – - you can thank whoever put us in debt for flushing pride down the toilet!)
THANK YOU APPLEBY! This is a long standing tradition in my family and we all appreciate you allowing this to continue!
Poor you! You must work for Appleby. And a five year commitment doesn’t entitle it to a name change. So five years later it can be the _______________(insert big dollar name here) Marathon Derby.
Can anyone say, verbal popo?!!
Might as well change the islands name from ‘Bermuda’ to ‘Insurance District’ while we are it!!!
So damn what we need to keep the Bermuda brand out there keep the name Bermuda going because when it goes viral no one would know where the marathon is held Come On Man!
The name will be changed to the new sponsor’s name.
Once sponsorship is required to make an event happen, the sponsor should be entitled to have thier name mentioned. The Bermuda day half marathon is known as may 24th to bermudians anyway. No Matter What is put on as the branding. Bermudians come out in droves to watch and participate. If appleby does not continue sponsoring at some time, the event can be named for whomever pays to have it run. It does cost quite a few pennies to put it on and there is no profit to be made other than advertising. Take pride in the heritagem hbistory enthusiasim, community spirit and togetherness that the event inspires. And remember that this happens no matter what name is plugged in.
So what happens when Appleby eventually stops the sponsorship and some one else takes over? Are you going to change the name to the new sponsor. Couldn’t you just say, “The Bermuda Day Half Marathon sposored by Appleby”? This race is a part of Bermudian Heritage and I don’t care how much they have given to sponsorship there is no way they should have changed the name. This is nothing against Appleby, I commend then for their sponsorship and generousity. But this race has been running a long time before Appleby was in the picture. I’m not supprised though, anything Gina Tucker does is motivated by Dollars and Cents but this time she has gone to far and basically sold off a piece of our heritage. I don’t care what she changed the name to, I will always refer to it by it’s true name, “The Bermuda Day Half Marathon”
While I am not happy with the name change either, in fact, I think if there had to be a name change it should have referred to founders of the race, like Gina Tucker’s father, Richard Tucker. However, to suggest that “anything Gina Tucker does is motivated by Dollars and Cents” is way over the top. Dr. Tucker is only one person on the committee, albeit the president. I don’t think Gina pockets any money and if you want to be sure, you can check the Registrar General’s office as this is a charity.
From what I’m reading, it’s obvious that the committee (not Gina Tucker) had to take the deal offered by Appleby or cancel the race.
Actually, if you’re that angry, “Really”, maybe you should be directing your anger at Appleby Bermuda’s Managing Partner Kiernan Bell, as it seems to me that she’s the one controlling the purse strings.
Maybe if enough people show their displeasure, Appleby will listen to the people and go back to the original name.
It will always be the BERMUDA DAY MARATHON no matter how much money is given and from whom it is given. How arrogant of Appleby to insist on a name change. Support and charity means so much more when it is given with nothing expected in return. SMH
Looks like im not running the Bermuda half marathon this year…Not impressed with the name change Appleby…however I thank you greatly for all your support over the year…but again, Bermuda Half Marathon better suits this event.
Oh no! You’re not going to run? Please, say it isn’t so!! We need you so much!! Please, please run “The Appleby!” We won’t hold it if you don’t run!
Businesses don’t support charities ‘expecting nothing in return’. They do so to improve their ‘corporate image’. How would they do that if nobody knew about it?
I don’t really understand the complaining. If you don’t want to call it the ‘Appleby Half-Marathon’, then don’t. Call it whatever you prefer. Have you ever heard anyone call the airport the LF Wade in conversation? I’m still waiting for that.
Can they not boost their corporate image by having their logo and ‘sponsored by’ on all marketing materials? i.e. the t-shirts, banners, mile markers, etc.? It was an unnecessary move. And of course it will upset Bermudians because this race has been and will continue to be a major event for the island.
Obviously you’re not Bermudian. If you were, you would understand what the complaining is about. That race is a part of our Heritage. Bermuda Day is as important to us as the 4th of July is to the US. It’s all about National Pride and Heritage and Gina Tucker has just sold ours.
I suppose you are one of those people that will be a sell out!!the race was all about Bermudians running, now it has become a corporate event and how sick is it that just because you throw money at something you want it tochange to your name.. I won’t be supporting the runners this year!!!Sorry this OBA has definitely mislead a lot of people, we are just getting more and more backward!!!If Bermudians had the monies that they are rightfully entitled to we wouldnt need sponsorship in the first place!I don’t need a corporattion to sponsor what I want to do, we used to run and ride up and down Bermuda before certain people start claiming our normal way of life as some corporate event!!!
Well then they just failed in improving their image ….
Definitely do not agree with Appleby changing the name *thumbs down* Your contribution is wonderful and most appreciated but it will always be the BERMUDA HALF MARATHON regardless of where the money is coming from. I agree with WOW – how arrogant indeed; not cool!
It is what it is, this is the way the world is running. If you don’t want the name changed well, pink up 45 Grand. No more backward thinking time for thinking ahead.
If Appleby wants to give me 50k a year I will change my name too…
Not a big deal, I bet most of the complainers did not even know they were the main sponsors before…
Ever heard of the Fidelity Couples Race, the Caitlin End to End, The Lindo to Lindo’s…
Just because you’re willing to sell yourself for money doesn’t mean that others are. You obviously don’t know what it means to have national pride or you would know that it is a big deal.
None of those races are on the same line as the Bermuda Marathon and to compare them shows that you know nothing of Bermudian history.
Give me a break, when I ran this as a kid it was just the May 24th or just the marathon derby…and it is not the Bermuda Marathon that is in January and sposored by HSBC, so much for national pride. what is important to me is that it is run on the May 24th. That is the history…
Take a prozac, it is not the end of the world. In my opinion it is fine and as Bermudians we have much more important things to worry about.
like what?(what are the other important issues?)
stray bullets
So your a sellout, whoop de do! Sorry, but I refuse to sell my heritage out like you. And isn’t it supposed to be the Heritage Day, not the Bermuda day?
So you are okay with the oki dopey!!the world is not running properly and so we go along with the downward trend?.. All around the world you need to really look at what is actually happening..not what is being allowed to happen through ignorance!!!Money isn’t everything and at some point it will become crystal clear to all!!!
I think it would have been more fitting to name it the “Appleby Bermuda Half Marathon”.
It is common that large main sponsors are rewarded with naming rights to the event. These events are not free to organise and run; even though the public is not charged to attend. I think removing “Bermuda” from the name is a bit much. Also, keeping Bermuda in the name will give continuity over the years as the title sponsor changes. For example, it could be the “HSBC Bermuda Half Marathon” or the “Ace Bermuda Half Marathon” once Appleby’s commitment comes to an end.
Ride
So far the best suggestion overall.
Taking all our pride and heritage from us!! SMH…
Kindley air force, Death Valley, Warwick Sec, Agriculture Show, to name a few, Pay back is a b**ch. lmao.
no mention of mr burgess
ANOTHER SAD DAY FOR BERMUDA CANT SAY IM SURPRISED SEEMS LIKE SELLING OURSELFS OUT HAS BEEN THE ORDER OF THE DAY I MEAN SHIT WE ALREADY HAVE THE TWANG CROSSDRESSER PARADING AROUND IN A CONVERTABLE LIKE DRAG IS APART OF BDA HERITAGE…….SMFH AINT $&^%$ AUTHENTIC ANYMORE &^%$ OFF WBOEVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MADDNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What would be nice if the race every other year
would start from St.George’s again and then Somerset.
Runners are suppose to run anywhere.
So, how many overseas runners have we attracted to this event? This is a prime opportunity for sports tourism.
I will probably get quickly corrected; but here’s my 2 cents. I agree to a point of the name change remaining traditional i.e. “Bermuda Half Marathon”; but as times go and in this economic climate, I’m sure Appleby will have no problem adding their name to the end of the title.
Why, however do bloggers have to be so aggressive in their reply? I’m hearing how can Appleby be so arrogant, Gina Tucker motivated by dollars and cents?
Get over it; Bermudians on a whole are the least patriotic people in the world. Give your opinion and encourage Appleby and the organizer to make the subtle name change. No need to be so nasty; “Sad Day”, “Selling Bermuda”, @ LaVerne Furbert “Direct you anger at Appleby Bermuda Managing Partner Kieran Bell” really is that helping?
Further more, when I was coming up and getting excited about running, we used to say “hey, you running 24th Of May”? Yes, that may sound like a question of are you running on the date 24th of May, but our intentions was to calling the race “24th of May”.
I don’t remember any elders chastising me like I am hearing on this blog. Bermuda is becoming more and more about a bunch of ANGRY people.
Wonder why?
What next oh HSBC Match? Any bids for the parade, since we’re selling our souls now.
OUTRAGEOUS’ is the only reaction that I can give to the preposed name change of a long Bermudian tradition that of the 24th. of May Bermuda marathon to that of the so-called Appleby marathon. It does not even have the ring of prestige that this long running sports and cultural event that is part of the Bermudian psyche and national idenity and is one more example of the selling of Bermuda; so much in evidence since the political results of the 17th. of December and the election of the anti-Bermudian regime; the OBA government. Just imagine if the historical Oxford and Cambridge rowing race down the thames were suddenly be renamed after some British coropate enity. Why there would be loud voices of protest. some things are sacrosanct that would not should not be touch. The Bermuda 24th. of May marathon falls squarely in that category. If Appleby wants it’s name to be displayed as the sponsor; What is wrong with having that name place on the numbers of the runners. This name change is not the way to go.
Always try to put a hit in at the OBA whenever you can. Nothing to do with them. And you say you want what’s best for Bermuda….
I dare u to ask new york to change their name to the chase manhattan marathon
The word ‘Bermuda’ should have stayed with the name even if Appleby was added after Bermuda or what someone above mentioned keeping the name the same and add ….sponsored by Appleby. @whatever you can’t compare Lindos to Lindos and the other running races. 24 May is Bermuda Day. Come on let’s keep some things Bermuda… What will we call Cup Match?
“Appleby Annual Cricket Match Extravaganza”
I think “extravaganza” is appropriate when consideration is taken for the Crown and Anchor, the food stalls, and the skimpy costumes that some adorn at the field.
Ride
Yeah to bad about the name change also??whats next?cup match??but would be great if some billionares came in and picked up the bill on new hospital,even if it meant having his name on it or even the new causeway, if we truly believe we must move forward as a nation than we must find outside investers, even if some might think of it as selling out??i see it as jobs, and income for next generations to come, we are surrounded by ocean , yet we do not harvest from it, being from fisheries or foregin ships fishing it, but as we all know it will take money to make money
See you all at the coca cola Olympics 2016
No. Do not support it.
Oh, ok, take THAT charities! Don’t run, don’t support them. Geesh – you’ll show them!
Dumbest comment yet.
I do not support this either. They could have had Appleby in the name and not taken out Bermuda Day. I may not run this year in protest. I won’t use Appleby for any legal or otherwise services.
2nd dumbest comment.
wow people want change but bitch when it happens. i agree bermuda should have somewhere in the name. but this is not the first time a sporting event has had a name change, it happens all over the world, bermuda is not special. we as bermusians wil always know it as the may 24th race, end of story. better have someone put money in for a small price then to have it lost forever…….. there is alot of blind narrow minded people on this rock anyway.so that what you bitches want by the looks of some of these comments.
This anti Bermudian sentiment has become more and more prominent since Dec. 17th. I always believed the this sentiment was there but now we get to see it daily. I think it’s time that we show our children that if you don’t like the way something is going, don’t support it. I am shocked that what people are feeling about this name change even requires explanation.
There are people who blog just about everyday that clearly have a disdain for anything Bermudian. A perfect Bermuda for them is a Bermuda without Bermudians. I just have one question for them. Why don’t you just leave please? Their disdain is constant and targeted.
It’s time to boycott the BERMUDA 24TH of MAY RACE as runners and as spectators and show how serious we PATRIOTIC Bermudians are about this one. It’s simple, just don’t show up unless the name BERMUDA is put back into the title. Not showing up is free but will have a profound effect.
Yes, it will have a profound effect: ON THE CHARITIES IT SUPPORTS! I never realized until now how stupid the people of this island really are. I am amazed at the level of ignorance and unintelligence we have here. Truly amazed!
Say what you may “know it all and intelligent.” BOYCOTT the darn thing unless BERMUDA is put back in the title.
After the total disrespect shown to the Ed Sherlock race, shown by those who have no knowledge of its history or the man himself, we now see corporate Bermuda taking us further down this slippery slope. If I didn’t know better, I would think that there is a strategy afoot to pimp what little culture we have in this place. Not good and appleby should be ashamed of themselves. As a firm that conducts its business mostly to international clients, this can’t be considered advertising, it’s pimping!
Not in agreement. Was just trying to decide whether I will go out and support the race this year. This has helped me decide. No! I have to agree with those who say we are selling ourselves. Slowly but surely little Bermuda will be no more. The way things are going we may not even be called Bermuda anymore if everyone that invests here wants to change a name. Leave the race alone. Does Appleby really have to have their name on this race. There must be hundreds of other ways they can market themselves. Slowly taking Bermuda out of Bermuda. This race belongs to the people of Bermuda not Appleby. Let all of us who disagaree, voice our displeasure loud and long so we can stop this madness.
How about just writing to the Committee friends? If they hear directly from the public, they’ll be forced to respond. Those for the change need to respect the history behind this race & the deep cultural connection. Those against need to remember the need these days for sponsorship to continue to make it happen. Mind you if a sponsor is gonna back out cause their name is not solely on the title, I say run without them. The Appleby Bermuda Day Race is a good compromise… but let’s not fight against one another ( like gang members) .We’re writing to the Committee – join us in making up the numbers….
^^Bunch of sellouts above!!!!!
Might as well change the islands name from ‘Bermuda’ to ‘Insurance District’ while we are it!!!
Why you all mad? We change the name UBP to OBA. Get over it and welcome to the new age of power of the dollar.
At least we still have the Sinclair Packwood – way more entertaining than watching Chris cruising to a massive lead – We finish as a bunch and sprint it out at the end – you never know who will win this race – unlike the BERMUDA HALF MARATHON.
Here we go again…..this anti Bermudian theme is terrible….it will not end here…..
And I’ll say what the expats and the OBA are afraid to… “yes we do want a Bermuda without black Bernudians – is that so bad? good to air out the laundry – I as a Bermudian (not neccesarily black or white) have accepted this fact long ago. It makes me more focused, makes me work harder and gives me a tool in teaching my kids how to prepare for a future where the establishment is against them because their accent is “funny” or they don’t look like them (kind of)- or their name sounds “Bermudian”
Whites in this island are literally coasting on the remains of slavery and a monetary system that stripped any chance away for equal footing for blacks – that is why education will never be the forefront in this debate – keeping blacks dumbed down continue the establishments hegemony…I remember when Berkley Institute would crush Saltus or Warwick acedemy in debates – Solution assemble all the blacks at Cedar Bridge and watch the crab in bucket syndrome ensue – that was UBP – so was the dismatling of the tech school – is it no wonder we have to import mechanics, AC specialist, welders etc…it goes on and on – the UBP/OBA and IB have nothing but disdain for you Black Bermuda – the sooner you realize this the better you can equip yourself for this fight.
In closing it is a shame that the PLP turned out to be such a DISGRACE – the one chance Blacks had to prove themselves as worthy of respect by the “establishment” was hijacked by a bunch of egocentric narcissists – now Blacks will never be trusted with the purse stings of this country again – true. But the “mental and physical” damage the UBP/OBA have cast upon the Blacks of this island far outweigh some bogus debt figure – ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION _ ALL OF BERMUDA_ why is a Government in debt in the first place? AND TO WHOM? Figure this out and you will begin to see the light.
very sad day for Bermuda – its all about money these days years ago money was not involved.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS but we should fight to get the name back