Dear Sir,I read with some dismay the news that the Half-Marathon Derby would be open to visitors.As a frequent participant in the 1980s and 1990s, I felt privileged to take part in the race as a celebration of the fact that I was lucky enough to live and work in Bermuda. To open the race up to tourists takes away that fundamental element in the history of the race and the place it holds in the hearts of all Bermudians.The race is not only about the runners. To hear the crowd calling your name with some familiarity is beyond description. I would shudder to think that the same people would be calling a nameless number as a visitor ran by in the lead pack.The speculation and discussions by the press and public in the lead-up to the event would be forever altered as the inclusion of visitors would inevitably attract an anonymous overseas runner who could potentially win the race.Some of your readers may remember one of the most highly anticipated local derbies, featuring all of the top local contestants in the 1980s, being ruined by a visiting runner, who had somehow appropriated a number, leading out the race at such a pace that he destroyed the front of the field before abruptly pulling up at Five Star Island.If I were still in good enough shape to compete, I would boycott the race and make my feelings known to the organisers. I encourage others to do the same.If the organisers are adamant that the race should be open to non-residents, then I would like to suggest that they are separated out with a differently coded number and given a start time 30 minutes after the main field. That way they would not interfere with the race and could indeed add to the festive nature of the event.GEORGE SUTHERLANDEx-President MAAC Running ClubEx-BTFA Vice President Road Running