THE damage has been done and it will be difficult to repair.Dr. Gina Tucker and her May 24 Derby race committee must be ruing the day they dreamt up the idea of inviting tourists to take part in an event so precious to Bermuda.It's backfired badly.The intent was to embrace their participation, instead we've insulted them.Tucker admitted the only reason she wanted overseas runners to compete was to help out in these ‘tough economic times'.In other words, we want your money but you'll get nothing in return. You won't be officially recognised, you won't be eligible for prizes and if you dare to win, you'll be yanked off the course.On TV this week, you were described by Tucker as ‘insignificant'.Welcome to Bermuda!All of this mess could have been avoided had the race committee taken the time to consult those who have so much more experience in organising an event so dear to this Island preferably Swan's Running Club or Mid Atlantic Athlete Club, or better still the sport's governing body, Bermuda Track and Field Association.The advice might have been along the lines of ‘hold your horses'.Don't rile the very people who make the race as special as it is the runners and the thousands who cheer from the roadside.Aside from the tourist issue, there have been other changes adding fuel to the fire, such as cancelling the awards ceremony and taking away prizes that traditionally have been handed to the first three runners in each of the age groups.It's been one blunder after another, overshadowing the build-up to a showcase that decides the best long distance runner in Bermuda.Conjecture over who would challenge, who could dethrone the defending champion, who would win the female race . . . it all added to the 100-year history of an occasion, unique in flavour, unrivalled by any race here or overseas.Through this newspaper, its website and letters to the editor, leading runners, both past and present, and even the BTFA, have expressed their thoughts, little of which has been complimentary.No doubt the race next Tuesday will prove as popular as ever with hundreds experiencing the agony and ecstasy of a battle to overcome the hills, humidity and heat on the trek from Somerset to Bernard Park.Win or lose, those competitors will feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Pleasure will outweigh the pain (maybe).But will it be the same in years to come? Perhaps not if the race committee continue to destroy tradition and heritage.Tucker, in vain, has tried to defend this year's changes. But some of her comments have been contradictory, and have shown signs of a lack of understanding.She insisted that in the past dozens of overseas athletes have taken part but fails to explain how many had actually been identified and pulled out.She's of the opinion that several unofficial runners competed last year. If that was the case, and she knew and realised they didn't meet the rules of eligibility (i.e must be Bermudian or have lived on the Island for at least three months) then why were they given a number or, once on the course, withdrawn.It's difficult to accept her numbers are accurate.And it's also difficult to understand how she will implement a rule that demands elite athletes be pulled out. What constitutes ‘elite' - top five, top 10, top 20?Will someone be there to trip them up, physically shove them off the road, in essence assault them?If there were more than a handful of tourists who have slipped under the radar in the past, it would be surprising.There's a close-knit road running community embracing all of the athletic clubs. They know their members well, and are familiar with most competitors. And those outside the circle, first-time entrants and those running for charity, are mostly recognised by spectators.Take a look at last year's entry list, published in this paper, and try to pick out the ‘invaders'. Do the same when this year's list appears on Monday.Tucker explained there's no room in the budget this year to provide sufficient trophies or hold a prize-giving and took umbrage at the suggestion some were lining their pockets.But the sums don't add up. A minimum entry of 800 would provide more than $32,000 in fees $40 for those who meet the entry deadline and $60 for those who don't.Add on $35,000 handed over by sponsors, and one would think $67,000 would be more than enough to provide a few more trophies and a ceremony befitting the occasion.Outgoing expenses include T-shirts, finishing medals, timing chips, a small collection of cups and payment for those who take on the arduous task of compiling the results and ensuring they're accurate.Even if $5,000 were taken from the kitty, it would be more than enough to appropriately reward those who finished in the first three in their respective age groups, and for another five grand to put on a ceremony during which these trophies could be presented.That's how it used to be with the old committee.They never bothered with the shirts and medals, cognisant of the fact that runners were happy just to compete, reach the finish line, and be proud that they've been part of an event so markedly different than any other.And afterwards they put on a damn good party.As they say, ‘if it ain't broken, don't fix it'.ADRIAN ROBSON