Organisers have vowed to breathe fresh life into the National Athletics Championships and erase the embarrassment of last year’s event — which experienced a poor turnout of athletes.

Around 150 performers are expected to descend on the National Sports Centre this weekend for the once prestigious event, which has fallen off the Bermudian sporting radar in recent years.

While road running on the island has continued to prosper with the May 24 Marathon Derby enjoying an impressive field of over 600 runners, its track and field sister has steadily declined for the last 20 years.

The Bermudian Track and Field Association (BTFA) have responded by making a conscious effort to promote and resurrect the competition and hope their sweat and toil will be reflected with a bumper turnout on Saturday.

Many subtle alterations have been made by the association to stoke up interest and encourage competitors, including increased sponsorship, award ceremonies, properly attired officials and a live commentator.

Talented athletes from primary, middle and high schools, including those not affiliated to local clubs, have also been targeted to perform.

Event organiser Donna Watson is confident there will be a marked improvement on last year’s dismal showing, and is urging those runners who pounded the Island’s roads on Bermuda Day to also sign up to compete.

“We are really trying to push the championships after last year’s disappointing turnout. In some events there was only two or three competitors — that really affected the competition.

“How can you call yourself a national champion if you have not competed against anybody?

“It would be great if some of those who participated in the last weekend’s Marathon Derby could come and improve the turnout.”

Watson, who also coaches the Flyers Track Club, foresees the re-building process to be a long-term programme rather than an overnight overhaul.

“Some of the additions we have made may not seem like a lot but we believe it’s the little things that can make all the difference,” she added.

“It will be a slow process to mould the event but we are moving in the right direction. Hopefully it will prove to be a success and we can build on it.”

Mid-Island Striders head coach Bill Euler, meanwhile, believes the championships are also undermined due to the number of Bermudian athletes unable to compete because they are posted at colleges abroad.

He has called for next year’s event to be scheduled later in the summer to ensure overseas athletes can attend and improve the competition’s standard.

“This event isn’t just another meet — it can be used as a qualifier for other international meets,” he said.

“There are around 20 athletes who have scholarships that can’t attend this event. “Their presence would not only raise the standard but inspire youngsters to win scholarships themselves.”

He added there was a chance the Bermudian women’s 4 X 100m relay record could be shattered at the championships — with esteemed overseas performers Shainne Smith, Shanel Woodley and Melissa Clarke set to perform.

Anyone interested in competing at the event, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, can call Watson on 524-7410 or Cal Simons on 337-0237.

Entry forms can be obtained from the International Sports Shop in Hamilton.