He has taken part in all but one May 24 Marathon Derby since 1981, but as an American Sid Howard has been unable to register as an official competitor, wear a number or cross the finish line.

The 68-year-old former world age-record holder has contented himself with running in the pack and ducking out at the last minute before he reaches the finish line so that he doesn’t mess up the results.

But the man who is regarded as an “honorary Bermudian” by the Island’s running fraternity on the strength of having competed in so many May 24 Derbys and the International Race Weekend 10K since 1979, is now to be given the opportunity to run as a genuine entrant in Bermuda’s famous running event.

There is a rule that permits only Bermudians and Bermuda residents in the annual race, and while that remains in place the race committee has recognised there are a few individuals with a special claim to be included in the Island’s sporting celebration.

Howard fits into that category and Bermuda Marathon Derby president Gina Tucker has confirmed he will now be allowed a race number.

Earlier this year Howard, who has a daughter Cynthia who married and settled in Bermuda in the early 1980s, took part in the 30th anniversary Fairmont-to-Fairmont race and was given a prize for being the most frequent off-Island participant. He also ran the International Race Weekend 10K.

When he spoke to the Royal Gazette at the time he said he realised rules are rules and that is why he could never be an official May 24 entrant despite his love of Bermuda and the touchstone event, which will be held for the 97th time this year.

He said: “I don’t want to win a prize, I just want to help celebrate Bermuda Day with Bermudians. All I want to do is run through the finish line but I know I can’t so I run off to the side. It is an anti-climax but I don’t mind and, even though I don’t wear a race number, so many people sing out my name on the course because they know who I am.”

Ultimately, Howard said he would like to match the great ‘Sir’ Stanley Burgess’ record of 56 Marathon Derbies and then stop because: “Stanley Burgess is to be honoured and not passed.”

Now Howard is to have his dream of competing as a May 24 official competitor come true.

Dr. Tucker said: “People (like Howard) who fit into that special category should bring themselves to the attention of the committee as early as possible so that we can make a decision. It is fitting that Howard be given a number after almost 30 years of participation.”

When contacted in New York, where he lives, Howard could hardly contain his delight. He said: “Anything I receive from Bermuda is a blessing. I have never wanted to win a prize or take anything away from the race, all I’ve wanted is to be counted and have something to show my grandchildren that I had competed in that race.

“I’ve only missed it one year since 1981, and that was the year my wife died. Even without a number I’d have been there in May, but this is wonderful.”

Howard only took up running when he was 39. He set a world age-record for 800m of 2:14.75 when he was 60, although that record has since been broken by 300ths of a second. Howard has six US middle-distance age records to his name.

Over the years visiting Bermuda to race he has made friends with some of the Island’s most well-known athletes, including Jim Butterfield, Ray Swan, Mike Whalley, Ed Sherlock, Cal Bean, Kavin Smith, Bob and Midge Oliver and the Marshall family among others.

Entry forms for this year’s May 24 Marathon Derby will be available in April.