WHEN Goodwill golf tournament entries last month plummeted to a new low, the decline could have been attributed to a number of factors; among them poor marketing, the recession and the high costs of air travel and accommodation.It really didn't matter, the bottom line was that tourism suffered another major hit.Thus, it was only logical this weekend's running festival would suffer the same fate.Not so.By yesterday an astonishing 1,000-plus runners had signed up for one or more of the four events, and more are expected before the late entry deadline.Of those, it's estimated that close to 600 have flown in from overseas.Overall, that's roughly the same as a year ago and not far short of when Race Weekend was at its peak in the 80s and 90s.It's difficult to fathom out the reasons for the bumper entry, although the Department of Tourism and race organisers have clearly upped their promotion efforts, and they should be given much of the credit.A major push to attract more visitors was made at last November's New York Marathon, but that's nothing new. Bermuda has long used that avenue to advertise the event.And introduction of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge, in which competitors run the mile, the 10K and either the Half-Marathon and Marathon, could also be a factor. That may be a unique formula for success in any country.Give thanks to American Thom Gilligan, who's been competing here for more than 30 years, for that idea.With the invasion of athletes comes family and friends, injecting more cash into the economy . . . yet another example how sports tourism can make a major impact on visitor arrivals, particularly at this time of the year.Oddly, road running isn't a sport, that despite the number of entries, includes faces and names that are familiar with the public.It's doubtful that even the winners of this weekend's four races, tonight's Elite Front Street Mile, tomorrow's 10K and Sunday's Half-Marathon and Marathon, will mean much to those who come out to watch.By far the best known is Douglas Wakiihuri, the former world marathon champion, Olympic silver medallist and London Marathon winner, who even now at the age of 48, can show his rivals at this level a clean pair of his heels.He did that at last Sunday's Fairmont to Fairmont Race, placing second to Bermuda's own Olympic hopeful Lamont Marshall.But Wakiihuri isn't here to race seriously, his main objective is to raise money for Kibera Kids, a charity to help those living in the slums of Kenya, which has benefited from the generous donations made by the local running community.The Kenyan will no doubt be among the lead pack and will get plenty of support from the roadside spectators, and hopefully get pledges for some of them.But that kind of encouragement will help inspire most of the runners.When it comes to road racing, Bermuda is renowned for the terrific reception that all competitors get whether they're at the front or the back of the field.It's one of the reasons why the event attracts so many repeat visitors. Perhaps the word has got around this year more than it has in previous years.And those new to the races will understand why in the past the Island became an attractive destination for both the gazelles and the tortoises.Those interviewed have consistently cited the friendliness and support of spectators as reason to return, no matter what the weather.Hopefully, with so many fresh faces in the field this weekend, that appreciation will continue.Just when it seemed interest in Race Weekend was waning, it's been surprisingly revatilised.Long may it continue.* * * *IF there's one criticism that could be aimed at organisers, it's the change of name.Previously known as Bermuda International Race Weekend it's been rebranded, for some reason, Bermuda Marathon Weekend.Not only is that inaccurate, it's misleading.Overseas runners looking at that label might get the impression it's a marathon only, and quickly lose interest.The marathon, 26.2 miles, traditionally attracts far fewer entries than the two other distance events.The 10K (6.2 miles) is the most popular, followed closely by the half-marathon (13.2 miles).International Race Weekend is a fitting description as it encompasses all of the races.If it ain't broken, why fix it?But then given the strength of this year's fields, it's difficult to argue.ADRIAN ROBSON