Public Service workers took to the streets of Hamilton yesterday to promote healthy living in time for the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby.

Government workers and members of the public joined a Wellness Walk around the city as part of a series of healthy activities scheduled for the week.

It marks the 115th anniversary of the derby during Bermuda Day celebrations.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, called the race “Heritage Month’s highlight event”.

He said fitness was paramount to mental and physical wellbeing, with the island producing “some of the world’s most talented and accomplished athletes”.

The hour-long walk ended on Court Street, the original finish for the half-marathon, which was moved from the location 62 years ago.

Mr Darrell said several civil servants had registered for the half-marathon race and would get sponsored by his ministry to promote wellness within the civil service.

The walk also corresponded with the Department of Health’s 100 Day Fitness Challenge, where staff were encouraged to exercise at least three times a week for 100 days.

Tae-Eja Bean, a member of the Department of Health, said that she saw the walk as an opportunity to keep her 100-day challenge going and interact with other members of the public service.

She said: “Something like this gets people moving.

“Sometimes we get behind the desk and we’re just there for eight hours of the day, so this is a good time to get away from the desk, get active and make sure we’re just moving.

“We can’t be the Department of Health and not be active.”

Ms Bean said that her fitness challenge had been going well so far, but admitted that she had started to feel the burn.

She said she was wary of how much she might ache during the walk, adding: “I just have to put my mind to it.”

“This will be my first time, but I’m feeling hyped, I’m feeling energetic and I’m feeling ready.”

Marissa Brangman, of the Department of Health, said that she was happy to take part in a challenge, adding: “I need it”.

She said that she used to regularly play sports but slowed in recent times.

She added that the Wellness Walk and the 100-day challenge would inspire her to get back into physical activity.

Ms Brangman said the approach of the Bermuda Day weekend provided a great opportunity to get out and about.

She explained: “It builds community and it builds a really great atmosphere.

“Holidays are always a fun thing in Bermuda.”

Ms Brangman’s friend, Elrita Wade, said Ms Brangman convinced her to join for a similar reason.

She explained that she had never done a walk like it before, but wanted to build up momentum in completing her 100-day challenge.

Ms Wade said that she hoped it would help her stay in shape beyond 100 days.