Christopher And ‘Power Girl’ On End-To-End
[Written by Stephen Wright]
For the past 15 years, Patrina O’Connor Paynter — better known as “Power Girl” — and Ed Christopher have been a dynamic presence at the finish line at the Convex End-to-End in Royal Naval Dockyard.
The pair have become a staple of the annual event, welcoming and cheering on participants as they complete the 24.1-mile walk starting in St George’s, or the Middle-to-End Walk from Point Pleasant Park.
They have become so integral to creating a party atmosphere that, in 2018, they were awarded an honorary End-to-Ender award in recognition of their dedication and spirited service.
On Saturday [May 3], Ms O’Connor Paynter and Mr Christopher, the City of Hamilton’s Town Crier, will once again reunite to perform MC duties, bringing their signature energy and encouragement to the festivities.
“Ed and I just clicked and have so much fun together!” Ms O’Connor Paynter told Bernews.
“He’s a ball of energy, and apparently, I’m a ball of energy too.
“Ed and I like to give the finishers the most energy we can and pump them up when they come in.
“Most people aren’t too energetic when they finish, so we tend to feed off each other, the crowd and the music.
“We want them to feel celebratory and know they’ve raised money for charity.”
For Ms O’Connor Paynter, the End-to-End is more than just a walk – it’s a powerful display of Bermuda’s community spirit.
“It’s so beautiful to see people from youngsters to seniors participating in the event,” said Ms O’Connor Paynter, who initially started MCing at the start of the Middle-to-End before joining Christopher at the finish.
“It’s an event that brings Bermuda together. It’s about the charitable aspect of it, giving back and raising money for some great causes.
“It’s great to see everybody come together in support of it – schools, businesses, families. It brings people joy and gives them something to look forward to.
“If I can do my part, cheering people on and dancing, then that’s my role and I’ll accept that!”
Christopher, who first took the mic at the End-to-End more than 20 years ago, said he and Ms O’Connor Paynter have been entertaining finishers for so long, they can practically finish each other’s sentences.
“We don’t miss a beat — we know exactly what the other is going to say,” he said. “It just flows. It’s easy and fun.”
He said the real magic comes from watching people crossing the finish line.
“I love the camaraderie, seeing the look on people’s faces when they make it,” he said.
“Some want a high five, some just want to dance – it’s a special day!”
For Christopher, the reward is simple: creating an atmosphere the participants and spectators can enjoy.
“Whether they’re walking or riding, everyone looks forward to it,” he added.
“It’s a celebration of spirit — and I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
To sign up, visit bermudaendtoend.bm or register as a volunteer Road Marshal at bermudaendtoend.bm/volunteer.
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