No runner will be turned away from this year's 100th anniversary May 24 Marathon Derby even if they fail to meet the organisers' request to raise a minimum of $100 for charity.

Initially, would-be competitors were told that they had to hand over a $100 donation to one of 11 charities named by the May 24 committee as well as a $35 entry fee ($38 if entries are submitted online) in order to take part in what is building up to be one if the most memorable events in Bermuda's sporting history.

It is expected that as many as 1,000 athletes could run the traditional route from Somerset to Hamilton, including a number of former champions who are looking to come out of reitrement.

Many have baulked at the suggestion they will effectively have to pay some $135 to enjoy the privilege.

However, race public relations officer Kendaree Burgess Fairn, insisted yesterday that was never the case.

And she admitted information on the race website, www. bermudamarathon.bm, had possibly been misleading.

"The word 'required' should have been replaced by the word 'encouraged'," she said.

"We certainly don't want to discourage anybody from running the race. That was never our intention. But we did see this as a great opportunity to raise money for the charities we have chosen and reach our target of $100,000. That's still our goal and we don't think that's an unreasonable target. The money raised will just be changing hands, going directly to the charities.

"But no one will be turned away.

"It's unfortunate that our attempt to raise money for charity was misinterpretated by some people. Out intention was pure."

Meanwhile, organiser Dr. Gina Tucker pointed out yesterday that there would be incentives for those who raise the most money, with various prizes on offer.

"This is an opportunity for the community to come together for what is a one-off event, the centennial race," she said.

And Dr. Tucker insisted that other charities could benefit, not just those named by the race committee.

"If for instance, someone raises $1,000, the first $100 would go to one of the charities we have named and the rest could go to charities of the runner's choice.

"I want to stress this is all about bringing the community together and helping as many people as we can."

In yesterday's Letters to the Editor section in this newspaper, long-time participant Peggy Couper, who has competed in the Marathon Derby for more than 30 years, labelled the charity demand "blackmail."

And she said she and others might run unofficially without a race number unless the charity requirement was overturned.

"What should normally be a fun event for all who wish to brave the 13.1 miles of hills, heat and humidity, has turned very sour for many of us.

"Bermudians and residents give generously to charities by choice all year long. No one should be forced to give to charities. This is blackmail."

The 11 charities named by organisers that will benefit from donations are: P.A.L.S., Greenrock, Youth Net, Sunshine League, Age Concern, Friends of Hope Academy, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Bermuda, Women's Resource Centre, The Family Centre, Child-Wish and Camp Homey-Bee.

A 5K Family Run is also planned for Saturday, May 23.

Entry forms and pledge sheets can be picked up at Cellular One or Meyer Travel and can be returned to drop boxes at the same companies.

Alternatively entries and pledges can be submitted online or when runners pick up their numbers prior to the race.