The Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club (MAAC) along with the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts recently presented a $2,090 cheque to the Friends of Hope Academy.

The Friends of Hope Academy is an organisation that raises money to support children who attend the special needs school, Dame Marjorie Bean's Hope Academy.

The 31st Annual Fairmont to Fairmont race, which was held on January 6, had more than 200 adults and 50 juniors participating.

Out of each adult entry fee, $5 was donated to the cause and the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts matched the amount.

The junior race started at the Heron Bay Market Place at 8.30 a.m. and ended at the Ocean Club (formally Whaler Inn) and the adult race started at the Fairmont Hamilton at 9 a.m. and ended at the Fairmont Southampton.

This is the first year that they have decided to donate to a charity. April Vesey, MAAC co-race director and vice president said: "We picked the charity Friends of Hope Academy as we think it is a great school.

"We had 114 MAAC members who ran for Team Hope which benefited the kids of Dame Marjorie Bean school in the May 24 race. The $140,000 raised in that race sent ten students to Camp Huntington and Oakhurst in New Jersey."

She added: "We are looking to continue this trend of donating to a charity and possibly adding in walkers next time."

MAAC was formed in June 1977 and is an affiliate of the Bermuda Track and Field Association.

MAAC's goal is to offer to its members all the pursuits normally covered by an athletic club with emphasis on middle and long distance running, regardless of age or athletic ability.

MAAC's website, www.maac.bm, contains schedules of events, entry forms, training groups, results, photos and other information concerning running in Bermuda.