Russian and Ukrainian athletes have become a perennial sight on the roads of Bermuda during International Race Weekend for most of the past 20 years.

So what is the attraction that brings them here, so far away from their homes and training bases, and why are there so many quality Russian and Ukrainian women runners compared to other nations?

Russian athlete manager Anthony Baranov, who is based in New York City, explained: ?That?s a question people ask, especially why there are so many Russian women runners.

?For many of them it is the only way to do something different with their life and earn some money. For so many of the Russian women who take up the sport the choice they have is to be a housewife or an athlete. Everyone asks why they want to come here to Bermuda.

?Here they have found a place that is warm, both in temperature and from the people. They enjoy the atmosphere and they want to perform well.?

The Russian and Ukrainian runners could earn more by chasing big-money events on the international circuit, but the attraction of Bermuda is its relaxing and friendly atmosphere, the chance to mingle socially with fellow internationals and enjoy some warm weather.

According to Baranov, what Bermuda is able to achieve with its race weekend, considering the Island?s small size, is remarkable.

And he had an extra reason to be happy about the past weekend after his 14-year-old son, Michaele Voroni-Baranov, came third in the under-20 division in the 10K.

The youngster was delighted to receive an unexpected prize at the awards ceremony.

Baranov said: ?This is the first time he is here. He wanted to run the race so I said ?good for you? and told him he should just try to finish the race. He was so pleased to get a medal at the end.

?I brought him out because I wanted him to see what my job is. He saw the 16-year-old (Sean Trott) who won the under-20 category run 36:55 and asked me if he might be able to run that fast when he is 16. He is excited and wants to run faster. It has given him some goal.?

The comradeship of road running and the mutual support between athletes and race organisers is what is most important to the Russian and Ukrainian athletes. It is something they find each time they come to Bermuda, said Baranov.

?I want to say how proud Bermuda should be of these races.?