First time End-to-End participant, 15-year-old Emmanuel Smith-Joynes of Somerset, is proud to say he finished the route in four hours.

The annual End-to-End charity walk attracts thousands who take part in the 24.1 miles (40K) from St. George's to Dockyard in many different forms.

Most walked the pre-selected route along the Railway Trail but many also cycled, rollerbladed, rode horses and ran.

Emmanuel started walking the route at 7.45 a.m. on Saturday, from the Square, in St, George's, with his mom, Molessia Joynes, 38, and her friend.

Ms Joynes said: 'When he got to Wharf Tavern, he asked me about the route, as I have done it before. Then he started to run.

"I ran with him but he was ahead of me. I made it to Paget though, then I walked the rest."

Emmanuel ran the entire route, stopping once to the bathroom at a friends which took him off route and finished in Dockyard at about 11.50 a.m.

Emmanuel said: "I was the first one to arrive on foot. There were only cyclists there before me."

The home school student said he was given a suggestion by his personal coach, Miguel Butterfield, who said he either run for two hours on the beach or do the End-to-End.

Emmanuel said that he participated in the Middle-to-End two years ago but this was the first time doing the End-to-End.

"I enjoyed doing the run. It went pretty well but at the last four miles I was kinda getting tired but I kept going," he said.

Ms Joynes said: "I finished the race in about five hours, my feet are still a bit swollen but I'm proud of Emmanuel, he should be commended."

Coach Miguel Butterfield said: "Emmanuel is a coach's dream because he would try to do everything his coach says.

"I estimated he would finish the End to End in about five hours and he beat that by one hour. We normally get together and train on the beach on the weekends.

"He did very well on the RMS Construction 10K race recently, placing fifth overall.

"Emmanuel is a really strong up and coming runner who we should all look out for in the future."

End-to-End Official Stephen Davidson said: "I am happy for him [Emmanuel] for his accomplishments. Those who set personal goals and achieve them is fine.

"His timing is something to be proud of, however, we do not want to put any emphasis on time or speed, as we don't want to discourage people from doing it.

"People start [the event] at different times and come from different locations so we don't even record the time of start or finish.

"We want this to be an enjoyable challenge for people of all abilities."

Emmanuel is a member of the Bermuda Flier Track Club where the trainers are Jerry Swan for the National Squad and Mike and Donna Watson.

Luso Water and Cockspur Rum sponsored him and six other participants of various ages.

Emmanuel plans to run in the 24th May half marathon which will be held on May 26, he will do the youth run which starts on Front Street as he is not old enough for the main route.