While ploughing through two feet of snow on his training runs in Baltimore, Ronnie Wong’s thoughts often turn to the warmer days he enjoyed in Bermuda in January, when he raised almost $3,000 for the St John Ambulance Bermuda.

Mr Wong, 68, outdistanced all other competitors in the Bermuda Marathon Weekend, clocking up just short of 50 miles during the three-day event.

The bulk of that mileage was a special 40-mile run on the final day, which he did to show his support for St John Ambulance.

Spectators, sportspeople and fellow competitors were invited to pledge a donation towards the Island charity as Mr Wong set out to run 40 miles on the 40th anniversary of the first Bermuda International Marathon.

A total of $2,950 was raised and has since been handed to the St John Ambulance.

During the race weekend, Mr Wong ran a mile race on Front Street, a 10K the following day, and a full marathon on the final day — continuing on for a third lap of the course to achieve his 40-mile goal.

The epic endeavour was not without its problems. Bermuda taxi driver and runner Lee Tucker, a good friend of Mr Wong’s, said: “He managed those 40 miles in just over six hours — and he lost five toenails in the final ten miles. But he was pleased he stayed the course.

“Bermuda’s marathon was a little more difficult because there are not so many people out there on the course as there are in the big city marathons.

“But Ronnie was pleased with his effort and being able to show his appreciation towards St John Ambulance.”

Mr Wong is a former Island resident, who once worked as a chef at the old Castle Harbour Hotel.

He returns every year to race in the Bermuda Marathon Weekend.

This year’s Bermuda marathon brought his lifetime marathon total to 297, and he intends to hit 300 this year.

Mr Wong is now back home in the United States, but he often thinks about Bermuda and particularly the joy of running somewhere warm in the depths of winter, said Mr Tucker. “He is looking forward to coming back.”

He added: “He would like to thank all those who made a contribution towards the St John Ambulance, especially the Lopes brothers and spectators for their support.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the St John Ambulance, in recognition of Mr Wong’s marathon effort, can do so by contacting the charity at its headquarters on 21 Point Finger Road, Paget, or by calling 236-7831 or e-mailing: media@sjabermuda.org.