Bermuda's couch potatoes are being challenged to turn off the TV, put down the food and train towards completing the May 24 Half-Marathon Derby next year.

In the spirit of the Race's 100th anniversary and the 400th anniversary of Bermuda's settlement, Argus Group CEO Gerald Simons laid down the exercise gauntlet with the announcement of the Argus 400 Challenge yesterday.

The Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby started in June 1909 when British officers in Somerset challenged their Bermudian workmates to a cross-country race.

Over the years it has become one of the Island's most popular community-oriented events, with people lining the route cheering the runners and walkers along.

The goal of this year's fitness initiative is to encourage people at all fitness levels to complete the half-marathon, with assistance available through Swan's Running Club, Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club and the Walking Club of Bermuda.

Mr. Simons said: "So why challenge you may ask? Argus is committed to community wellness and to encourage a culture of physical fitness.

"We are all designed to run and walk and the Argus 400 Challenge makes training for, and completing a half-marathon, achievable for people of all fitness levels.

"Elite athletes know how to train. The Argus 400 Challenge is for the rest of us.

"Someone once said: 'Some succeed because they are destined to. Most succeed because they are determined to.' I encourage you to take on the Argus 400 Challenge to find a friend or partner and take up this challenge together."

Participants of the Argus 400 Challenge will have access to comprehensive, self-motivated training schedules along with group training opportunities.

The training schedules break down the next 30 weeks before May 24 with day-to-day distances the individual should try to accomplish. Beginners will start with a half-mile walk on Monday, slowly building increments until they feel comfortable doing longer distances.

There is also an intermediate and advanced schedule. Beginning in November, there will also be a monthly training session with fitness expert, Yves Paul.

This year's Derby winner, Chris Estwanik, will give a guest lecture next month giving advice on training while Catherine Burns, the Argus nutritionist, will speak on eating guidelines. More details will be released at a later date.

Training tips and advice will be available on the Argus website at www.argus.bm, with entry incentives such as a $400 voucher of your choosing.

A grand prize draw for a $1,000 voucher will be held for those who register for the Challenge, train and complete the half-marathon. And Mr. Simons said that Argus would particularly like to encourage those in uniforms — Police, fire fighters — to participate.

He added: "The Argus Challenge is open to everyone in the community; however, we are particularly interested in encouraging members of Bermuda's uniformed services to participate.

"Physical fitness is a key job requirement for fire fighters, Police officers and members of the Bermuda Regiment, who serve our community so well in times of need. Next year marks the 400th anniversary of Bermuda. It is also the anniversary of the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby, an event that in so many ways, reflects Bermuda's spirit.

"It is a time in our history when we can reflect with pride on our many accomplishments as a society. It is also time to chart our futures — the future of our community as well as our own."

Anyone interested in joining can sign up at the Argus Customer Service Centre in the Craig Appin building on Wesley Street in Hamilton.

Entry is $30. Participants will receive a running vest and training schedule.