The charities and sponsors behind this year’s End-to-End got together last night for a reception at The Hamilton Princess, Bermuda to celebrate the launch of the annual fixture.

The 29th event, dubbed “Good Cause, Great Fun”, has title sponsorship from XL Catlin, and platinum sponsorship from Cell One and The Royal Gazette.

More than 3,000 participants are expected to take part in the open-water swim on May 6 or walking, cycling, paddling or rowing on May 7 in the End-to-End, the Middle-to-End or the Fun Walk.

The event is going the extra mile to raise more funds for five charities this year, according to Anne Mello, chairwoman of the End-to-End Charitable Trust. The “exceptional families charities” this year are the Coalition for the Protection of Children’s breakfast programme; Open Airways, which treats asthma sufferers; the drug prevention and self-development initiative Pride, for school students; Family Centre, and Pals, which assists seniors who cannot afford cancer medications.

“Our formula is to ask participants to stretch themselves, go a little farther and raise a little more,” Ms Mello said.

Accordingly, the End-to-End has launched live registration, team formation, a redesigned website, a social media campaign and fundraising in preparation for May. To date, End-to-End has distributed more than $5 million to Bermuda charities, with all of the funds staying on the island. For more information, contact ete@logic.bm or 292-6992.