Hard. Hilly. Humid.
That’s how veteran racer Christine Dailey describes the Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby. She reckons she has run the Derby somewhere between six and ten times, not to mention having two second-place finishes under her belt. Also brag-worthy is her third-place finish just four months after giving birth to her second son, Blake, in 2023.
The Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby is a big part of the Bermuda Day holiday, when locals traditionally kick off the summer season. This beloved celebration of Bermuda culture and heritage marks the beginning of Bermuda shorts and swimsuits for Bermudians, when they finally agree to dip their toes in the ocean.
Prior to 2017, Bermuda Day was observed on May 24 th , but since then the holiday switched to the Friday before the last Monday in May. Bermudians take great pains to find the perfect parade-viewing spot in Hamilton that day, with the celebration also featuring food, live performances, and the very popular half-marathon race.
Dating back to 1909, the Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby is the island’s longest-standing race – that’s 115 years! The event draws in hundreds of spectators and participants from across the island and across the ocean.
“This race is special,” says Mrs. Dailey, who is a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and owner of Beyond Fitness. “This race is very different from other half marathons. The course is hard. It’s hilly and humid, which makes it nearly impossible to complete if you are untrained.” But while some level of training is necessary to complete the full distance, Dailey claims that even beginners can do it.
Benefits and challenges
Dailey says the first benefit of training for the race is that you’ll fall in love with running. She began running as part of her fitness routine many years ago, but it was only in the last several years that she trained with more purpose specifically geared toward the half-marathon distance, which is 13.1 miles. But there are many other benefits, too. “Training for this race is such great motivation to get fit for summer,” says Dailey, noting that half marathon training is great not only for physical health but for mental health, too. “It’s a healthy hobby to have! Nothing beats getting outside for a run, staying healthy. Not to mention the friendships you make in the running community.
Of course, like with anything, there are also challenges. For Dailey, the biggest challenge is Bermuda’s climate. “You train in the spring and then the humidity switch is turned on the week of the race. So, you feel somewhat unprepared for those conditions. Everyone is in the same boat though! “Most people who have run overseas and then come do this race are shocked at how hard it is. For reference, my half marathon time is about 3-4 minutes slower on this course than on a race course in the US where the humidity is lower.”
Still, anyone can start training regardless of fitness level. And if you don’t feel up to the full distance, there are options to run the relay, which is a shorter distance. Dailey says that’s what is so great about this race – everyone can participate. And the hard work is more than worth it. Dailey calls the race “special” compared to others she has run, and that’s due to the energy of race day. “It’s the crowds along the way that make it such a vibe,” she says. “The energy the whole way is unmatched at any other race. It’s just such a fun race because it inspires so many people to get involved. I love it because it makes our running community larger. When people start training and have the same goal it becomes more fun!
So, how do I do it?
While anyone can train for the race, there are a couple factors that will determine what your training schedule will look like. For instance, consider whether you already run as part of your fitness routine, and how far out from race day you want to begin dedicated training. Dailey also recommends strength training and cross training to round out your preparation. “If you want to build a solid base then start running now! Otherwise, you can dial in with an eight-to-twelve-week training schedule and be successful! I would definitely include strength training as it will make you faster and also prevent injuries. People that include strength training in their schedule have a better chance of making it to race day without any niggles or hiccups. Depending on the person, cross training is a great way to build fitness without pounding the
pavement.”
Strength training, or resistance training, is a type of exercise that causes your muscles to contract against outside resistance – body weight, weight machines, medicine balls, resistance bands, or dumbbells. The benefits of strength training are numerous and include increased muscle mass, stronger bones, joint flexibility and balance, all of which will enhance your running ability and success.
Cross training utilizes several modes of training outside the athlete’s main sport – in this case, running – to develop fitness. For example, runners may use cycling as an alternative exercise to build and maintain endurance. You might also include swimming, weightlifting, spinning, or even yoga.
The official Bermuda Half Marathon Derby website provides a free and very manageable 11- week training program for those who already run shorter distances as part of their fitness routine. Each week is made up of three running days, one walking day, one strength training day, one recovery day (stretching, massage, yoga, walk, or swim), and one rest day. Each week you will gradually increase your running distance.
For a more tailored training schedule geared toward individual fitness levels and lifestyles, you can reach out to Mrs. Dailey at Beyond Fitness or other trusted fitness instructors.
photo courtesy of Bermuda Half Marathon Derby
Contact Christine Dailey at christine@beyondfitness.com for more information or check out
bermudamarathon.bm for a suggested general training schedule.
