The Catlin End-to-End got off to a flying start at 8am in St George's, with ideal conditions and walkers showing high spirits.In their sweaty shirts and sneakers, with just a few pausing to check their phones, participants thronged the roads.The final count of walkers, runners, cyclists and other participants signed on for the event was a healthy 2,250 as of yesterday.With last-minute arrivals on the morning, that puts this year's End-to-End close to its customary number of 2,500 people.“It looks like less walkers than I anticipated,” said walker Ronald Taylor, who is going the full distance in preparation for May 24. “But now that we're a couple of hours in, they're spread out over a long way.”The year's premier charity fundraising event had rowers and swimmers taking to the water, equestrians setting off on the railway trail in Paget at 9am, and Health Minister Zane DeSilva among the Middle to End walkers departing Albuoy's Point at 10am.By 10.30am, South Road in Devonshire was busy with the first wave of walkers for the full 40km End-to-End.One of the early walkers was Nick Whelpley and his wife Sarah.“I've got flat feet, so I'm at a disadvantage,” Mr Whelpley said, stopping for a drink. “I'm trying not to let the blisters stop me from making the end. We've just been coming along on our own most of the way. But the people out here for us have been very supportive.”Cyclist Fabian Harris pulled over for a break with his group.“I'm here with a group of us guys who did this last year and liked it so much we decided to make it an annual event,” he said.“We set out earlier last year so it was a lot cooler then, but this time around I'm really prepared for it, and I'm feeling nice and comfortable.” Pointing to a woman cycling past, he said: “I've got to go. That girl beat me last year.”The Argus stop along South Road was thronged with cheering bystanders as well as Argus volunteers, blowing whistles and handing out orange slices, bananas and cups of water.Cars slowed to honk in support of walkers and cyclists, and children at the entrance to Ariel Sands blew whistles.“There are tons of people out there, and we're just starting to get them now,” Denise, an Argus volunteer, said.One of her colleagues couldn't remember if she had volunteered for the End-to-End before. “I volunteer for everything; they all blend together,” she said. “I just come out for the atmosphere.”The stop is one of 18 along the route, each sponsored by a different company, with road marshals and company volunteers giving out drinks.Cyclist Arnold Francis called the day “sublime”.“It's a crystal clear day, I've got the endorphins flowing,” he said. “I walked it about ten years ago. I'm on a solo mission cycling today. It's not for any particular charity, although I like what Argus does.”Amanda Batista of the Endsmeet Animal Hospital walking team said they were looking forward to Catlin's limbo line around Harmony Hall.“We voted for it as the best last year, so we hope to see it there,” she said.Cyclist Jermae Paynter-Smith said it was her fifth year taking part.“This one is the hottest,” she said. “It's my second year cycling and I'm doing this on my own. It feels long.”“We were doing well, but a lot of people are passing us now,” said walker Tom Galloway. “We aim to be last by finishing time.”Event organizers reported close to $60,000 in corporate fund-raising alone, with First Atlantic Commerce and friends contributing $19,206.“We have the who's who of Bermudian business signed up, and a lot of family teams as well this year,” Stephen Davidson of the End-to-End Charitable Trust Board said. “We also have the usual colourful characters. One cyclist is going to be out in a saber-toothed tiger costume, being chased by cave men.”Some are going the extra distance: at 8am, the End-to-End-to-End cyclists set out from Dockyard. But at least one man may have them all beat. Mr Davidson reported that one cycling volunteer has vowed to make no less than six laps of Bermuda.The finish line, sponsored by M3 Wireless, opens at 1.30pm in Dockyard.* For many more pictures see our photo gallery section.