By Stephen Wright

This year’s May 24 Half-Marathon Derby has received the second highest number of entries in the race’s 104-year history,

The Royal Gazette understands.

A total of 1176 runners 110 teams and 736 individuals will pound the roads in Friday’s 13.1 mile race.

The largest amount of May 24 entries (1316) came in 2009 to mark the annual event’s 100th year anniversary.

Roger Lee, one of the race organisers, said a record number of teams would be competing in this year’s race.

“We’ve very pleased with amount of entries we’ve had it’s been fantastic,” he said.

“I think that with the introduction of the relay team race has helped.”

The Bermuda Half Marathon Derby Committee have announced that the Derby’s 2013 charity donation will be given to a group of Bermuda’s young talented athletes.

Each year, $10 of the entry fee of each runner is donated to worthy charities or causes. This year the funds will assist with the athletes’ costs associated with training locally and competing abroad.

The recipients are: Juma Mouchette (runner), Chare R. Smith (cricket), Shannon Hassell (swimming), Josh Thompson (field hockey), Jason Symonds (football) and Kaila Harvey (Tennis).

Committee president, Dr Gina Tucker, said: “The Appleby Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby is a community event and a celebration of the Bermudian spirit. We are excited to be able to give back and provide an opportunity for our local aspiring athletes to continue their efforts to prepare and compete on an international level.”