Two women taking part in a special get fit programme are using the opportunity to help tone up local charities with more than $1,000 in donations.

Charmaine Thomas and Marquita Thorne are taking part in the Argus 400 Challenge, a training programme that offers ordinary people the chance to compete in the 2009 Bermuda Day Half-Marathon.

The Royal Gazette has been following their progress since January.

Through her participation in the half-marathon, Mrs. Thorne aims to raise $1,000 to help youngsters with diabetes.

Ms Thomas is running to raise $500 for Camp Honeybee, a summer camp for local kids with diabetes.

"It has been going great," said Mrs. Thorne who works for Bermuda Gas & Utilities. "I am thrilled because I was doing it for a cause.

Mrs. Thorne helped to start the summer camp a few years ago when one of her daughters was asked to leave her summer camp because she had diabetes.

"This year, Camp Honeybee is the Bermuda Half-Marathon president's pick," said Mrs. Thorne. "I am very excited about that. My personal goal was to raise $1,000. I am not quite there."

The 50-year-old, who has never previously done any long-distance running, said she is ready to run.

"I have done the full distance from Somerset to Bernards Park," said Mrs. Thorne. "I finished and I wasn't tired."

She said her aim now was to cut some time off, as she finished in two hours and 14 minutes.

"I am certain I will do better on the actual race day," she said. "My plan is to complete, not compete."

After running the half-marathon distance for the first she said she felt comfortable.

With the help of Swan's Running Club her training has been building up to longer and longer distances since the beginning of the year.

"I didn't expect to run a half-marathon and feel comfortable, but other than a few aches and pains, I was fine," said Mrs. Thorne. "It has been very helpful."

Unfortunately, she has developed "a knee concern", but she is working with a physical therapist and coach.

Until the day of the race, she plans to work on her cardiofitness and train on her bike.

On the day of the half-marathon several family members including her daughters, son-in-laws and brother-in-laws will be running and walking with her.

"It has been an unusual year, but it has been very rewarding," said Mrs. Thorne. "It is a matter of staying focused, eating, resting and exercising."

Accountant Charmaine Thomas, originally from Jamaica, said that her training has been going very well, despite some knee problems last month.

"As can be expected, I have had some highs and lows," she said. "As for the knees I just wrap them before I go for any long stretches."

She has done two competitive races in the past month in addition to her regular training.

"I was very proud of myself when I completed the ten mile race in one hour and 55 minutes, although I was hoping to do it in one hour and 40 minutes."

Ms Thomas said she wanted to take part in the half-marathon in honour of Bermuda's 400th anniversary.

Ms Thomas has found that encouragement from her friends and family is vital.

"I find I don't do so well alone," she said. "The extra motivation from my partner keeps me going when my legs get heavy and I just want to stroll.

"I realised this more so when I did a 20 kilometre run last Sunday. After the first ten kilometre loop I was doing well in terms of time and I had to fight the temptation to stop as the aim was to see if I could endure being out there in the sun longer than two hours for over 12 miles."

She said that after 15 kilometres every part of her hurt.

"So I just strolled in, in two hours and 30 minutes," she said. "This was a low point for me as that is the time I expect to finish the marathon on May 25, but I am still grateful that I was able to finish injury free and finish."

She continues to core strength train and watch her weight.

"I haven't lost any weight but I don't indulge too much into the land of chocolate covered donuts," she said with a laugh.

The Bermuda half-marathon Derby committee asks that each participant raise at least $100 for local charities. Ms Thomas hopes to raise about $500.