Students of Port Royal Primary School were paid a special visit yesterday by the sister of late legendary Bermuda Day Marathon Derby runner, 'Sir' Stanley Burgess.

Accompanied by daughter, Marquita Thorne, and famous running twins, Neville and Neil Virgil, Mrs. Iris Williams hugged and kissed just about everyone she came into contact with and seemed to thoroughly enjoy proceedings.

Along with the Virgil twins, Mrs.Williams, 92, was invited to partake in Port Royal Primary School's Heritage Day festivities, that included a 'Sir' Stanley Burgess Race, which saw many of the participants sporting the late runner's trademark white handkerchief as well as white gloves which was the trademark of the Virgil twins who finished first and second in the 1964 Bermuda Day Marathon Derby.

"During the month of May we like to focus on pride and heritage at Port Royal School and a few years ago we decided to have our very own 'Sir' Stanley Burgess Race," explained Port Royal Primary School principal, Mrs.Holly R.Richardson.

"We also do other heritage activities and it's a fun-filled afternoon for our students who learn a bit more about about our heritage; not just by sitting in a seat, but also by participating in activities.

"They love it and look forward to it because it has become a part of our school's tradition. If it doesn't happen, then we have a big problem. And I think initiatives such as this are extremely important because it teaches our children where our country has come from and why we do the things we do."

Mrs.Thorne, who will be running to raise funds for Bermuda Diabetes Association in this year's Bermuda Day Marathon Derby, said she was delighted to share past memories of her legendary uncle to the kids.

She added: "The kids were really into what the day stood for and it just goes to show that Mrs.Richardson, along with her teachers, are doing a fantastic job with the kids at Port Royal."

Among yesterday's winners of the 'Sir' Stanley Burgess Race was 11-year-old P-6 student, Kaz Godfrey, who also plans to take part in this year's Junior Bermuda Day Marathon Derby Race.

He said: "I'm excited to be running in the race because my brother (Kyle) did it before. I am going to try and come in the top 20 and I am confident I can do it."

Also running in the junior event this year is ten-year old P-5 student, Micah Simone Durrant.

"This will be my first race and although I am a bit nervous I am also excited about it," she said.

Proud school principal Mrs. Richardson offered her best wishes to the two promising runners.

She said: "We are very excited for Kaz and Micah and definitely wish our up-and-coming marathon champions the very best and will continue to encourage them."