It wasn't meant to be a race — but perhaps nobody told that to Opposition MP Donte Hunt.

While most of the 400-plus crowd took advantage of the convenient "walking is allowed" rule, Mr. Hunt led a small group of runners who put the "Run" into Run For Freedom by hitting a searing pace from beginning to end.

And despite being the first person to cross the Barr's Bay finishing line, Mr. Hunt wasn't finished there.

The politician, donning a dubious pair of tight lycra trousers, promptly ran back up Front Street for a second time and lapped some of the stragglers.

Among those lagging behind were some very slow runners indeed — many of whom seemed to be routinely overtaken by walkers.

It all made for a great atmosphere with participants chatting and laughing along the way, creating a buzz along Front Street that was even better than organisers had hoped for.

Mr. Hunt said the other front-runners had let him win as he was the only MP to show up.

But yesterday was more than just a chance for him to show how fast he could run.

Like everyone else, he was there to demonstrate that even on a tiny Island in the middle of the Atlantic people can raise awareness of the plight of millions of slaves around the world.

"For me, it's an awareness of how blessed we are and recognising how many people are less fortunate than us," said Mr. Hunt.

"We need to stop concentrating on what we don't have, and instead concentrate on what we have. Once we do that, we can start to help others.

"This cause is real. It's affecting families, and that's a passion of mine. I'm pleased with the turnout. I believe next year will be even bigger. I would like to try to reach out to other areas of the community."

Glenn Fubler, co-chairman of Imagine Bermuda 2009 community group, walked part of the way and ran part of the way — although strangely his walking pace seemed quicker than his running.

It brought back memories of the anti-apartheid protests Mr. Fubler organised during the 1980s and 90s.

"This turnout shows that Bermudians are concerned about the big picture and know that we are part of a global community," he said.

"We don't know exactly what outcome this will bring, but the fact we are doing something ... every little bit helps."

Director of Public Prosecutions Rory Field ran with his wife and son.

The drive to wipe out human trafficking became a passion of his while he worked in the prosecution service in Serbia.

"When I knew that there was this run, I knew I should show that human trafficking is something I passionately disagree with," he said.

"The turnout shows a really wide range of people care about this issue. They have all come out today to show we are together throughout the community."

Former Progressive Labour Party backbencher George Scott was handing out flyers for human rights campaign Decent Work Decent Life.

"It's good that groups can come together and make the point that people have rights," said Mr. Scott.

Entertainment came in the form of Warner's Gombey Troup and music from a number of performers.

• Run For Freedom would like to thank sponsors Bermuda Executive Services and Butterfield and Vallis; donations from The Royal Gazette, Island Press and William and Joyce Zuill; support from poster designer Akil Simmons, US Councilman Chris Bodkin, Pat Ferguson and Bermuda Maritime Museum, Bermuda Police and St. John Ambulance; and contributions from Corporation of Hamilton, Chewstick, Spanish Town, KJAZ, Warner's Gombey Troup, Fun Tyme Bouncy Castles and Haagen-Daz, Winky Dinky Dog, Daisy and Mac, Cafe Ten, Sound Stage, Sportseller, Rock Island, Dawn Zuill, J. Edward Sousa and Terri Durrant, Milton Raposo, Gavin Smith, Rebecca Brady, Kelly Miller, Steven DeSilva, Zoe Mulholland, Eugene Dean, Steve Manwaring, Kerrie Aubrey, Danny Wilmot, Farzanah Mohamed and AnnaLaura Hocking, Dred, Corin Smith and Dagga.