Bermuda residents took to the roads and water in their thousands for a record-breaking Catlin End-to-End this weekend: organisers had an official count of 3,500 people, but many more joined in.

Donations are also expected to set a new record, with more than $200,000 tallied up for local charities by the end of the day.

“There were 3,000 registered participants — we actually shut down registration when we hit that number — and about 500 volunteers,” said Stephen Davidson of the organising committee.

“A lot of unregistered people came along for the ride. We reckon at least 500, a lot of bikes in particular. People walked, ran, road, swam and paddled. A very meaningful percentage of the population takes part.”

Balmy weather and a good breeze made for “a perfect day”, he said, with no incidents reported.

“There are other events in Bermuda that attract thousands, but nothing else takes them and moves them the length of the Island.”

Regular participants First Atlantic Commerce didn’t disappoint with their costumes: last year the team dressed as chickens. For the 27th annual End-to-End, the group attired themselves as Star Wars characters.

“All day, people just smiled,” Mr Davidson said. “Particularly up there in Dockyard when people saw that arch of balloons, people’s faces just lit up and they came prancing across.”

Along with ten local charities that will reap the fundraising benefits, Catlin has added the Marine Grant — a three-year initiative supporting ocean conservation charities.

Coverage from The Royal Gazette, a key sponsor, helped bring in record numbers of participants, Mr Davidson added.

“Every time there was something in The Gazette, we saw a bump in the traffic on our site,” he said. “We want to give a huge ‘thank you’ to all our sponsors and volunteers who make it possible.”