The second-oldest continuously held road race in Bermuda is getting a makeover, 38 years after it was first held.

A new course has been designed for this month's Bermuda Track and Field Association Half-Marathon and its accompanying 10K.

The main race has been held on numerous courses since it was introduced as the first BTFA long distance road race for amateurs in March 1972.

When it goes under starters orders on November 28, runners will face a route that begins on South Road, next to Happy Talk Lane, and loops back towards Hamilton, turning around on East Broadway to return to South Road, via Point Finger Road, and then head out to Tucker's Town. Runners will continue to the end of Paynter's Road before returning to finish opposite Camden.

Competitors in the 10K race will follow the same route as far as McGall's Hill, turning around near Nantucket Lane and heading back to the finish.

Race directors Glenn Robinson and April Vesey are hoping the two races will attract up to 200 competitors as the event continues to increase in popularity following a previous shift in location to Hamilton a few years ago. Robinson said proceeds from the races will go to help junior BTFA athletes compete overseas, such as teenager Ryan Gunn, who was runner-up in the 10K last year and earlier this year was included in Bermuda's first team to attend the Youth Olympics, where he competed in the triathlon in Singapore.

The BTFA Half Marathon and 10K are open to all. There will be special shirts for the first 200 finishers in the event, and ample parking will be available in the field opposite the Botanical Gardens on South Road. Light refreshments will also be laid on for runners after the races. Potential competitors should note the races start at 8 a.m. and there will not be any walking event.

Over the years the BTFA Half-Marathon has seen a number of fast performances, including winning times of one hour 10 minutes and 1.11 by the likes of Jay Donawa and Kavin Smith during the past decade.

The inaugural race in 1972, which started at Warwick Secondary School, was won by German holidaymaker Gerd Mielke on a day of drenching rain. Mielke ran a time of 1.26.23.

Online entry for this year's races will be available on the Bermuda Timing website. Sponsors interested in adopting one of the mile markers – and having their company name highlighted on the course – are welcome to contact the organisers for further details. Likewise anyone who would like to act as a volunteer is asked to contact Robinson at the MindBody Wellness / ASHLAN Clinic in Hamilton, on 292-6830, or Vesey on 232-2312 or e-mail: aprilv[AT]northrock.bm.