Bermuda's International Race Weekend, starting in 1998.

The three-year sponsorship deal, which is worth $195,000, was confirmed yesterday by Bermuda Track and Field Association.

For the past two years the popular road running event has been without a title sponsor after ADT withdrew in 1995.

The Bank has sponsored the Front Street Mile for the last eight years. Now they will be doing the same with the three other weekend events which will be known as the Bank of Butterfield International Marathon, Bank of Butterfield Half Marathon and Bank of Butterfield International 10K.

"The Association are delighted to strengthen this relationship with the Bank of Butterfield which will ensure continuity for Bermuda's greatest participant athletic event,'' the BTFA said in a press release yesterday.

"The Bank of Butterfield International Race Weekend will continue to produce quality oppportunities for both local and overseas runners and spectator entertainment for all of Bermuda in January.

"Additionally, the Bank of Butterfield International Race Weekend provides an extremely beneficial boost to tourism at a traditionally `lean' market period, thereby contributing significantly to the Bermuda economy in a way that benefits all of Bermuda.

"The Association, therefore, expresses its sincere appreciation to the Bank of Butterfield for its already long association with this event, and for extending its support to youth, sport and health for the whole community in its sponsorship of the Bank of Butterfield International Race Weekend.'' Steve Marklew, Senior Manager, Marketing, also announced that the Bank would once again offer a special $10,000 bonus for the fastest athlete breaking the four-minute mile as well as $30,000 for new records in the marathon.

"We're extremely happy to continue our involvement with the Bermuda Track and Field Association, to extend it from the Bank of Butterfield Mile to encompass the entire weekend,'' said Marklew yesterday.

"We're expecting it to be bigger and better. Over the last eight years we've been responsible for the Bank of Butterfield Mile which brings the entire communuty together.

"It's a community event which is what we've always tried to encourage and we anticipate that our community involvement will be even more enjoyed for the entire weekend.'' Last year it was estimated that 6,500 people crowded Front Street for Mile races with thousands also lining the streets on the Saturday and Sunday for the other races.