Setting out just after sunrise on Saturday from St George’s, the walkers, runners and cyclists of this year’s End-to-End had plenty of company to cheer them on as they headed west.

Participants in the 36th annual Convex End-to-End ranged from seniors to toddlers towed behind bicycles.

“I’m pushing 50 this year — I figured, let me just get this one checked and done,” said one walker, pausing at the Guardians of the Reef water stop off South Road in Devonshire. “It’s an excellent cause.”

The environmental charity was joined by volunteers from Gina Spence Productions and the Transitional Community Services offering water, handing out orange slices and clapping for the many who embarked at 7am from King’s Square for the 24-mile trek to Dockyard.

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“Is the end just around the corner?” joked Daryl Martin, another first-timer who turned out “just for the adventure, the challenge and the cause” with running mate Dave Scull.

Accustomed to races, today the two were out for the long walk under a bright spring sun.

Tiffane Thomas, executive director of TRC, a charity for at-risk young males, said the End-to-End felt like “the unofficial start of summer”.

“You see the End-to-End, you know summer’s here,” Ms Thomas added.

“Last year we were at the last stop in Dockyard, which was amazing. We love doing the water stops, supporting the community and seeing the power of charity supporting charity.

“This is one of the only events I can think of that brings together so many different parts of Bermuda for the same thing.”

She added: “A lady who was just here said she needed a hot bath and some Epsom salts.”

Pulling over on her bicycle for a water break was repeat participant Flo Simons.

“I’ve done it a lot of times — it’s about sunshine, exercise, socialising, just enjoying the day,” she said.

Paulina Lowe told The Royal Gazette she was “loving it”.

“I just wanted to do the whole thing, which I’ve never done. I always like to set a goal for myself.”

The event, which has raised more than $6.5 million over its history, selects different causes to support each year.

Funds raised for 2023 will go to Bermuda Zoological Society’s Microforest Project, Gina Spence Productions, the Eliza DoLittle Society, the Skills Development Programme and Vision Bermuda.

Nicky, another first-timer, woke up at 5am for the start. She said a friend had flown in from London to take part, with the group deciding to join her.

“It’s for the experience,” she said. “One day when we’re old and grey it will be nice to say we came out and walked the length of the island.”

Two employees of the Convex insurance firm, Craig and Ol, also hail from London. Craig was out walking for the fourth time, but said he had not participated in 16 years.

Ol said: “This is my first time. We were on the East Coast doing business and decided we’d come along. The fact that we’re sponsoring this year encouraged us, and it’s a beautiful way to see the island.”

Out cycling the route for the first time was TJ, a teacher at Bermuda High School, who said he was joining friends for the cause.

“I nearly took a wrong turn, but then I saw the people in green,” he said of the wardens along the route. “You get a great sense of belonging to the community doing this.”

They were joined by others for the 14-mile Middle-to-End, the Fun Walk and others rowing or sailing in the new category for Optimist Youth Sailors.

Barring a couple of brief showers, the long haul for charity had plenty of sunshine — and a cooling breeze out of the north.