Bermuda Day half marathon derby renamed

Appleby and the organisers of the Bermuda Day Half Marathon (“the Committee”) today announced a further 5 year commitment to sponsor one of Bermuda’s most popular cultural and sporting events - the half marathon held each 24 May. In celebration of Appleby’s renewed support, the Committee announced 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 (www.bermudamarathon.bm) 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 PRESS RELEASE

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).