Walkers, runners and cyclists were greeted by smiles and sunny skies as an annual charity event returned to the roads today.

Thousands of people signed up to tackle the 38th annual Convex End-to-End, which was held this year in support of Age Concern, the Bermuda Audubon Society, the Bermuda Red Cross, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bermuda and the Reading Clinic.

Routes for this year’s event included the full 24.1-mile End-to-End; the 14-mile Middle-to-End; the three-mile Fun Walk and Cycle; and the End-to-End-to-End — a 48.2-mile cycling route that covered the length of the island twice.

At John Smith’s Bay, representatives of Walkers Bermuda handed out water and treats while waving signs of support to those taking on the trek.

Marah Smith, chairwoman of the firm’s charity committee, said: “I think that, consistently, this event brings out the best of Bermuda.

“We have done John Smith’s Bay for the past couple of years because it’s close to the beginning of the course and we can get the vibes out for the participants.

“We think it starts the day out nicely for everybody, they get an idea of who we are and that we want to support.

“We don’t get as many people, but those people remember.”

She said the atmosphere this year was great with beautiful weather for the participants.

“We have our DJ playing, he likes to get everybody hyped up,” Ms Smith said. “We have lots of great giveaways to keep people nourished on their journey. We have trail mix, we have fruit, we have sunscreen.

“This year the weather is beautiful — we cannot complain about that.”

Farther down South Road, at the bottom of Brighton Hill, representatives of the X-Roads Warriors Football Club greeted participants.

Taqwa Lee, secretary of the club’s youth committee, said: “We always like to give back to the community, so we do End-to-End, we do the Relay for Life, we do all the charity events because that is what Bermuda is about. Giving back.”

As of 9.15am, Ms Lee said the crowds of walkers had yet to reach the station, but they were prepared for the rush.

“I know some people started early and we have had a few people who wanted to get ahead of the sun,” she said. “We are waiting for that first wave.

“It’s a beautiful day, which is always a plus. We have Mystic Hub with their plant-based food and drinks.

“Once we have the crowds, we are ready to get on the mic and give the walkers the support, tell them they are looking good, as we Bermudians say.”

Further west, where the Railway Trail meets South Road in Paget, volunteers from Clarien welcomed competitors with fresh fruit, drinks and beads as part of their Mardi Gras-themed water stop.

Troylene Commissiong, of Clarien Bank, said: “Go big or go home, that was our thought.

“Mardi Gras was big and in the news this year so we thought we would embrace that and just go big.

“The staff are very on board, we have about 25 staff that volunteered to come out and do this event today, and the weather is beautiful.”

Ms Commissiong said that Clarien had hosted the same water spot for several years as part of its passion for giving back to the community.

“We have a few employees who have been diagnosed and survived cancer, so it is fitting for us to take part in this type of event.”

Photo gallery