THIS month's Marathon Derby has got a new flavour. And for many, it's left a sour taste in the mouth.The decision by the organising committee to allow tourists to run in the race is the latest change to devaluate the event's rich heritage.It's always been unique. It's special. There's no other race anywhere in the world like it. And, much like Cup Match, it reflects Bermuda culture.That's about to change.Last year that same committee deemed it become a charity event and now they again want to tinker with tradition.Committee head Gina Tucker claims that opening up the race to visitors will help boost the economy.Hogwash!The only running event in Bermuda which attracts tourists in large numbers is January's International Race Weekend when the same athletes, joggers and walkers return year after year, often bringing with them new entrants from their circle of friends and family. And they take part in this three-day running festival because they have a choice of events.They can race in Saturday's 10K or Sunday's Half-Marathon or full Marathon, and many choose to compete in both. Some locals and invited runnerseven compete in Friday night's mile races as well as two of the longer distances the Grand Slam.But the May 24 Derby doesn't have the same appeal for visitors. Those who happen to be on the Island on vacation, like all of us, find it hugely entertaining.But very few will fly in to take part in a single race, which is held in mid-week and won't be offering prizes for overseas entrants.Tucker's assertion that in the past several overseas runners have dipped under the radar and run unofficially is questionable. Almost all of those who compete discourage anyone who fails to meet the race requirements having worked or lived on the Island for at least three months (it used to be six months).It was never intended to be an international competition, and it's difficult to understand why organisers want to take that route, thus changing its identity.Back in the 1980s a Swiss runner by the name of Karl Kupferschmidt, an unofficial entry without a number, led from almost start to finish.Quite rightly he was disqualified and second-placed Gary Wilkinson was crowned champion.But he had already been stripped of the glory that had always been attached to the winner.The Derby has always been considered THE only race in Bermuda that matters. It makes no difference whether an athlete has won other events in the previous 12 months, they aren't considered a true champion until they cross the line first on May 24.A tourist may not cross that line first this year, and maybe not next year. But it will happen.Whether a prize is up for grabs or not, any serious racer wants to win as soon as they submit their entry form. They're not worried about tradition. They simply want to perform to the best of their ability and attempt to be the best in the field.When that happens, the Derby will become just another race on the road running calendar. The thousands who line the streets will drift away. It will have lost its appeal and its lustre.To some extent that happened last year when Tucker and her committee members decided that entrants should donate to their chosen charity as well as pay the entry fee $40, and $60 if you miss the May 13 deadline.As mean spirited as it may seem, the Derby is not a charity event. It was never intended to be.There are many others which fill that void the most noticeable being the annual Ross (Blackie) Talbot golf tournament which was designed as a fund-raiser and over the years has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to worthy causes. It's a fun event with some terrific prizes but it's main goal is to raise money for charity.Cup Match and May 24 don't fall into that category. They're pure sporting spectacles, the best Bermuda has to offer.For years, competitors have raced in the Derby with vests emblazoned with the names of the charity of their choice, having rounded up their own sponsors. That's always been accepted and admired.But now they're having that obligation foisted upon them.If organisers are bent on giving to charity why not hand over the entry fees. As it is, it's not quite clear where that money goes.Appleby sponsor the event, Dunkley's Dairy provide the drinks and dozens of volunteers man the water stops, hand out sponges and help out at the finish line.If there is a profit, how is it being spent and who is benefiting?For over a hundred years, the race has seen many changes. Up until the early ‘70s it was a professional event in which the winners received cash prizes.It then became strictly amateur but the race route still changed every year - sometimes from Hamilton to Somerset, from Hamilton to St. David's and from Somerset to Hamilton.It was then decided a permanent course should be established from Somerset to Hamilton, although that itself changed with the finish line switching from the National Stadium to Bernard Park where the race now ends.A few years ago, it was agreed it would become a bona fide Half-Marathon, measuring exactly 13.1 miles, in order that records could be compiled.It really wasn't necessary.The Derby was never about times or records. Very few cared whether it was 13.2, 13.3 or 13.4 miles.There are other events in Bermuda which meet the Half-Marathon criteria.What mattered most was who crossed the line first and claim the coveted crown.But the latest change to let in tourists is the worst of all.It's not progress.It's a crying shame!ADRIAN ROBSON