Bermuda’s Marathon Weekend is just days away and title sponsor for the 10K and marathon events, HSBC Bermuda, proudly welcomes local and international runners to a challenging and fun-filled weekend of events.“It’s exciting to see our diverse local running community and top international athletes coming together for an event that puts Bermuda on the map in the running world,” said Blake Hellam, HSBC Bermuda head of Retail Banking Wealth Management. “This new partnership with The Bermuda National Athletic Association aspires to raise the event’s profile and grow a world-class experience for local and international runners."Interest and participation in this year’s event is attracting a near-record number of elite, local and international athletes. Among those, over sixty HSBC Bermuda staff have elected to participate as walkers and runners in the HSBC Bermuda sponsored 10K walk, run, half marathon or marathon. Three HSBC Bermuda staff members have chosen to participate in three of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge. Steven Smith, Carol Griffith and Anthony Riker are participating in multiple events to “face the challenge” and participate in healthy activities.Steve Smith, financial controller, said: “Participating in ‘The Half Triangle’, is a big challenge, but I tend to keep fit. My lifestyle is being active and it helps me control my health. I don’t run in lots of events but Bermuda Marathon Weekend is a great social with friends and good for the local community."Carol Griffith, client support associate, usually runs in this event every year for the longer distances and the full challenge. “I’m usually very active in the running community and enjoy travelling to participate in races and marathons. It’s great that HSBC Bermuda is sponsoring a marathon. This is an excellent opportunity to be a part of one of the biggest local marathon events.“This sponsorship also promotes health and fitness which is important at HSBC. Staff at the Bank have opportunities to utilise the Bank's gym and are offered opportunities to participate in healthy lifestyle programmes. The health benefits from running are first and foremost, exercise and keep fit! I can’t say enough about running, I love it.”