SPRINT Issue 59

BERMUDA HALF MARATHON Tuesday May 24th 2016 Carole Ingham
Alarm set for 6am, number pinned onto running vest and time chip secured
to shoe in readiness for the Bermuda Half Marathon starting at 10am the
next day....................................
We were lucky enough to be invited out to Bermuda to stay with our friend,
Scott Neil and Heather Brain, which happened to coincide with Bermuda Day.
This started with the half marathon and ended with the most amazing
carnival and street party. We were well aware that it would be extremely hot
with very high humidity, but seemed silly not to take part, so we entered with
the attitude that we would take part, enjoy the atmosphere and if it meant
walking up hills, so be it!!!
Bermuda Day is a public holiday celebrated on May 24 th or the weekday
nearest to May 24 th if it falls on a weekend. It was formerly known as Empire
Day initially to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday. It was first celebrated on
May 24 th 1902. In 1958, Empire Day became known as Commonwealth Day
and was actually celebrated as Bermuda Day for the first time in 1979. The
day marks the beginning of summer for most Bermudians.
On the morning of Bermuda Day, we had breakfast, bags and drinks packed,
ready to set off on our mopeds for the journey to Hamilton where we caught
the ferry over to Docklands for the start of the race.
The atmosphere was fantastic...............Scott knew several of the runners
taking part and introduced us to a few of the legends, one being Ed Seagar
who had won the race five times in a row, 1957 – 1961 and on one other
occasion. He was now 85 years of age and running with his son. Amazing!!!
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