People who compete in the May 24 Marathon will now be running for a reason - a local charity.

The charity has not been picked yet but this year's event has been branded 'Giving you a reason to run'.

The Bermuda Marathon Derby Committee announced that the organisation will add $10 to the registration charge and runners can also get people to sponsor them. The pubic will also be able to pledge money via text message through the marathon's communications sponsor, CellularOne.

Dr. Gina Tucker, Bermuda Marathon Derby President, said, "We are thrilled and excited about the initiatives for this year's event. Our new strap line 'Giving you a reason to run', encompasses our goals for 2007 - to give something back to the community while also increasing enthusiasm for the race from a runner and spectator perspective.

"We expect that the charitable element will encourage a greater number of runners and spectators. We have recently rebranded and will roll out a strong campaign over the next few weeks, encouraging young and old to participate.

The Committee is asking all interested registered charities to submit a proposal stating why they should be selected as the "2007 Derby Charity" on or before Thursday, March 22nd.

Proposals should be no longer than 5 pages. The Committee will narrow the selection down to 5 charities and the winner will be selected via draw on March 28.

All submissions can be emailed to Dr. Tucker at gtucker@moed.bm or hand delivered to Dr. Gina Tucker at the Victor Scott School.