Changes Made For 2024 Bermuda Day Race
Changes are being made to this year’s Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby, with the finish line moving to Court Street, a requirement that participants be Bermudian or a Bermuda resident for at least 6 months, and the addition of the inaugural Senior Classic 2-Mile Run for persons 65 years or older.
A spokesperson said, “Celebrating 115 years of running, the Bermuda Half Marathon Derby, Bermuda’s oldest, premier road running event, aka the 24th of May Race, will take place on Friday 24 May 2024 and is expected to attract over 1000 participants.
“The Derby Committee will be recognizing this momentous occasion with numerous activities. Prolific changes to the race include the finish line moving to one of the race’s original locations, Court Street, with the prize presentation being held in front of Place’s Place owned by Mr. Lefroy Brownlow Place–one of the first sponsors and organizers of the race.
“In recognition of those seniors who enjoy a shorter run, the Committee will host its inaugural Senior Classic 2-Mile Run for persons 65 years or older. We will also recognize and celebrate the oldest living male and female winners. Finally, after over 20 years since his last win, we will be celebrating our record-holding nine [9] time winner, Kavin Smith, who claimed ‘King of the Derby’ during the years 1993 – 1997 and 2000 – 2003.
“As anticipation builds for another thrilling race, the organizing committee emphasizes the importance of persons adhering to the requirements for participation. After countless hours of discussion and consultation with runners and the community at large, the committee has decided that this race will remain a symbol of Bermuda’s heritage in that participants must be Bermudian or a Bermuda resident for at least 6 months.
“The Bermuda Half Marathon Derby is and always has been for Bermudians and residents for at least 6 months. While we realize the Derby is one of the most beautiful half marathons in the world, thanks to both our spectators and participants, on the celebration of our 115th year we remain committed to preserving the Derby as Bermuda’s iconic local running event. As such, we look forward to seeing who will be the first to claim King and Queen of the Derby’s new Court Street finish.”
Dr. Gina Tucker, President of the Bermuda Half Marathon Derby committee, emphasized the significance of Derby as part of our Bermudian heritage. She stated, “In a time when so many of our traditions are being lost, we will hold fast to preserving this piece of our heritage and look forward to the entire community celebrating our local runners in what is considered the culminating race in the local road running season.”
The spokesperson said, “We take this opportunity to thank our volunteers and our partner sponsors: Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC], Island Health Services Limited [IHSL], the Corporation of Hamilton [CoH], Icelandic, Burrows Lightbourne Ltd. and Kerin Oral Care [KOC]. We also thank our Friends of the Derby: PhysioActive, Place to Place Trucking, Beyond Fitness, Bermuda Dental Studio, Natural Mystique Hub, Audio Visual, Pulse Group, Organized Solutions Bermuda, Butterfield and Vallis, Chaba Thai Massage and Sports Source.
“We extend a very special thank you to our Friends in the Uptown Market/Northeast Hamilton EZZ who graciously gave to support the Derby’s return home to Court Street: Bermuda Public Services Union [BPSU], Bermuda Industrial Union [BIU], Young Men’s Social Club [YMSC], Sensational Delights, Exartilery Men’s Association, Leopards Clubs International and Fresh Creations.
“A special thank you to Audio Visual, the lucky Derby participant who places 115th will receive a Smart TV.
“For everything you need to know about the 115th Bermuda Half Marathon Derby, please visit our website: bermudamarathon.bm. If you would like to sponsor or support this year’s event in any way, please email: info@bermudamarthon.bm. Registration for the 2024 Derby will open April 1st, 2024 at 8am.”
For extensive coverage of Bermuda Day spanning over a decade, visit our website BDADay.com, the island’s most comprehensive resource on the Bermuda Day holiday.
- Over 6,000 photos here
- Over 150 videos here
- Holiday graphics here
- History of the race here
- Bermuda Day Timeline here
- Dedicated website: BDADay.com
“Changes are being made to this year’s Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby, with … a requirement that participants be Bermudian or a Bermuda resident for at least 6 months,”
That looks like a violation of the Human Rights Act. Ex patriots can participate only if they are resident for 6 months or more, but Bermudians who have lived away for years can participate because of their “place of origin”.
The insular small mindedness of this island never ceases to amaze me. It’s a premier road racing event but we’re gonna limit participation as much as possible. SMH