Almost 250 people helped to raise $14,000 for a support charity in a virtual race.

The You Go Girl event in aid of the Women’s Resource Centre attracted 249 entries, including two men, who were from Florida.

Christine De Silva, who is on the committee for the annual fun run, said: “The range of ages of participants this year was incredible.

“The youngest was Brinkley Mello at 8 years old, with Kallie New and Nala Morrison, 9 years old.

“At the other end of the spectrum, we had 16 females over 65 years old, with Barbara Mayne and Joan Pedro, 91 and 92 respectively.

“A big shout out to all participants, especially those who braved the awful weather — the first time it has rained in our nine-year history.”

The event, which has evolved to include fancy-dress costumes, was held virtually on June 7 because of restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19.

It usually involved teams of three women in a train-style relay, with the first contestant running or walking 2km before collection of a second member for another lap.

The pair picked up a team-mate to complete the third lap as a trio.

Women were asked to get “dressed to the nines” and post a photograph to the event’s Facebook page instead of gathering together for the race this year.

Ms De Silva explained that the fundraising total came through both registration fees and donations.

She added: “We want to thank all those who made separate donations, which were appreciated so much in these very difficult times.

“Special mention to Meyer Agency for their sponsorship, U by Kotex, Butterfield and Vallis, the FOMO teams and all those very kind people who helped to raise the funds to $14,000.

“Over the past nine years, we have raised close to $90,000 for the Women’s Resource Centre.”

Ms De Silva, who is joined on the committee by Natalie Dyrli, Terri Durrant and Bev Adams, said that “another exciting aspect” of this year’s event was that people from other countries could take part without travelling.

She explained: “We were able to attract participants from not only Bermuda but Australia, the UK, Canada and these US states: Florida, New Hampshire, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California and Texas.

“We are certainly looking at next year’s event to make it as successful as this year.”

The WRC was set up to help women through training, counselling, campaigns and other services.

Elaine Butterfield, its executive director, said yesterday: “The Women’s Resource Centre is most grateful once again to the You Go Girl committee for their incredible support in this ninth year for the race.

“The ingenuity of the virtual race truly availed much.

“It was a lot of fun for everyone and we are grateful to everyone who joined the race online.”

She added: “The demand for and the needs expressed for our services are tremendous during these unprecedented times.

“It is through support such as this that we can be confident of being able to meet the demands.

“This donation will go a long way towards helping women and their families to cope both now and in the months and years to come as the real impact of Covid-19 is realised.”