Participants in the annual End-to-End race can benefit from a training programme launched yesterday by Health Minister Zane DeSilva.A brochure detailing the ‘Get Ready, Get Fit’ initiative will be mailed to every home on the Island.It outlines a training regimen suitable for those who want to take part in the event as well as those who just want to get fit.“The Catlin End-to-End promotes a healthy lifestyle. It is more than an event,” Mr DeSilva said. “It is a series of activities that over the years have engaged our entire community and encouraged everyone to be involved in the pre-workouts and preparation activities.“All those things together can lead to positive lifestyle change.”The programme recommends a gradually intensifying schedule of walking, stretching and cross training over the 12 weeks leading up to the May 7 event.In the annual event, hundreds of people walk, run and bicycle the 24.1 miles from King’s Square, St George’s to the finish line in Dockyard.Along with suggesting a training regime, the brochure offers various tips and lists walks scheduled as practice for the End-to-End.A health report released last month shows more can be done to improve Bermuda’s overall health and reduce the prevalence of illnesses caused by poor diet and lack of exercise, Mr DeSilva said.“Obesity, diabetes and congestive heart failure continue to plague our Island at alarming rates, rates above the average for OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] countries,” Mr DeSilva said. “Women in Bermuda, for example, have the highest number of diabetes-related lower extremity amputations out of all the 30 countries in the OECD.“Of further concern, the report shows that 24 percent of Bermudian adults are considered obese, while 19 percent of young Bermudians, aged 11 to 18, are considered overweight or obese.“This needs to change. We need to change.”He advised participants to prepare in advance of the race and to speak with their doctors rather than just showing up on the day unprepared.“Not only will this help to ensure that they can safely participate in the event, but it also provides them with information about what specific health problems they may not be aware of.”Mr DeSilva joked that he had learned his lesson participating in the May 24 half-marathon, saying: “I ran May 24 without much training. Believe me, you need training.”Asked if he planned to take part in the End-to-End himself this year, Mr DeSilva said he would if Graham Pewter, the president and CEO of title sponsor Catlin Bermuda, agreed to do so as well.Mr Pewter said he would be flying back to the Island specifically to take part. “We hope that this will work as another spur to encourage people to get out and get fit,” he said.He also stressed the importance of the event as a fundraiser for the Island’s charities.In the past 23 years, the event has raised a total of more than $3.7 million for more than 80 charities. More than 2,500 people walked, ran, cycled, rowed and swam as part of last year’s fundraiser.Eleven charities have been selected to receive funds raised this year including Meals on Wheels, Raleigh International, Bermuda Sea Cadets and WindReach.In a difficult economy, charities often have difficulties raising funds while at the same time they are relied upon by more and more people, Mr Pewter added.Useful website: www.bermudaendtoend.bm, wwwgov.bm, www.oecd.org.