End To End organisers are celebrating another bumper year after a day of blisters, aching limbs and sore feet paid off and gave charity coffers a major boost.

A gloriously sunny Saturday saw more than 2,000 people of all ages walk, cycle, swim and boat across various parts of the Island to Dockyard for good causes.

Categories ranged from the headline 40km St. George's to Dockyard trek, through to a strenuous swim across the harbour from Spanish Point and a 5km fun walk from Somerset.

Organiser Stephen Davidson hailed the 2,000 who took part and added: "That puts us right up there with the biggest events we have run."

Although pledges were still pouring in yesterday morning and a final sponsorship figure had not yet been confirmed, a total of around $200,000 was likely.

Mr. Davidson also praised the army of 200 volunteers who manned the course and dished out vital refreshments to weary participants. And he thanked the hundreds of supporters who came out in droves to offer support.

"It's one of the events that really brings out the best of Bermuda," he stated. "Even if people are suffering on a long walk, everyone is in such great spirits."

Scores of school and corporate teams signed up on Saturday, while Health Minister Patrice Minors and Ministry staff led by example when they saddled up for the Middle To End bike ride.

Nearly 30 readers of an American woman's fitness magazine that ran a feature on the End To End in the run-up to the event jetted in from the States to join the fun.

While Joan Dismont, who has taken part in every End To End since it started in 1987 as a get fit challenge among a group of pals, did not let the fact she was in her 70s stop her notching up yet another appearance.

Now the End To End team is gearing up for a 20th birthday milestone in 2007. "Expect it to be a big one," Mr. Davidson told The Royal Gazette.

End To End participants have raised over $2.25 million for Bermuda charities in the last 19 years. And money raised in this weekend's event will help the following charities: Bermuda Audubon Society, KnowledgeQuest, PRIDE Bermuda, Project Action, St John's Ambulance Brigade, The Family Centre, WindReach Recreational Village and the Women's Resource Centre.