?Iron Horse? marathon runner Stanley Burgess ? a multiple former winner and one of the oldest competitors to complete the annual May 24 Marathon Derby ? will be remembered every May 23.

Sports Minister Dale Butler read a proclamation to commemorate the late athlete?s life during a press conference last week at which he announced ?Sir? Stanley Burgess Day.

Butler was joined by members of Burgess? surviving family including his sister and fellow runner Ed Sherlock.

?The Government of Bermuda believes that persons in our community who rise above personal challenges to achieve success are indeed worthy of being acknowledged, honoured and memorialised for the benefit of future generations,? said Butler.

Burgess participated in the Marathon Derby until he was 82, completing the race for more than 50 years. He was awarded the Queen?s Certificate and Badge of Honour in 1971 and although he was never officially knighted he was ?knighted? by the people of Bermuda, Butler explained.

On May 23 announcements will be made on radio about Mr. Burgess as well as a reading of the proclamation. Posters depicting the marathon runner and his life will also be displayed at various Hamilton shops during this month.

Butler said this was a ?growing campaign? with plans for additional commemoration over future years.

?There are many other people whose histories need to be told,? he added.