Runners hoping to take part in this year's 100th anniversary Bermuda Day Half-Marathon are being asked to hand over a minimum of $100 for charity.

And if they don't, they could be denied entry.

According to organisers of the centennial race, the Derby Committee, "all participants will be required to raise/donate $100 to the Derby Charities."

That will be in addition to what is expected to be an entry fee of at least $35, the amount charged last year.

One athlete who contacted The Royal Gazette yesterday after reading the race website www.bermudamarathon.bm, said: "In effect we're being asked to pay $135 to run. It's ridiculous.

"It's a great idea that the 100th anniversary should be a means to collect money for charity. But it has to be optional. The way it's written on the website we have no choice. Raise $100 or don't run."

It's hoped that a record field of as many 1,000 runners will attempt this year's race from Somerset into Hamilton, with many former winners such as Cal Bean, Ray Swan, Ed Sherlock and Allan Hatherley contemplating coming out of retirement.

Gina Tucker, believed to be head of the organising committee, couldn't be reached for comment yesterday.

But the website clearly states: "To achieve the $100,000 fundraising objective, the committee is heavily canvassing for a minimum of 1,000 competitors to register for the half-marathon and an additional 250 entrants for the 5K Family Fun Run. Each participant will be required to raise/donate $100 to the Derby Charities. Applications for registration will be available soon.

"The charities that will benefit from the fundraising efforts are Greenrock, PALS, Age Concern (Bermuda), The Women's Resource Centre, Youth Net, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda, The Sunshine League, The Family Centre, Child's Wish, Friends of Hope Academy and the President's Pick, Camp Honey-Bee.

"Any participant who raises $1000 will be eligible for some great prizes – we're hoping for 100 to achieve this goal."

The 5K Family Fun Run, beginning and finishing in 'North East Hamilton', is an additional event to be held in conjunction with what is regarded as one of two of Bermuda's major sporting events – the other being Cup Match.

Organisers state the event will provide an "opportunity for all members of the community both young and old to be part of the fund raising efforts. Gina Spence Productions will complete the evening, with a free performance, reviving the once very popular "Road Show" that will pay homage to the Derby and Bermuda's people. Applications for registration will be available soon."

"Additional details regarding the rules and regulations will be available soon."

For the fifth consecutive year, Appleby will be the event's major sponsors, having contributed over $170,000 since coming onboard.

Other sponsors include Barritt's, Cellular One, Meyer, Bermuda@isme.com and ING.