THE Bermuda Day Marathon Derby produced its usual share of racing casualties, as the heat and humidity proved too taxing for some, others were forced out with foot or leg ailments and other anatomic break-downs.

However, what came close to `cleaning out' several more were the very vehicles served with a purpose of saving body parts and helping those in need of medical attention.

Just as more than 400 runners queued at the start at the junction of Somerset and Cambridge Roads, first a fire truck then an ambulance travelling at considerable speed cut veritable swathes through the pack, causing many to take sudden evasive action to avoid possibly losing a few toes.

It turned out that both vehicles were attending an emergency call in the region of Cambridge apartments, where a woman had taken ill, and had to be transported to hospital.

Just think, it could have been the `Medical' Derby.

--------------- IT may have appeared smooth sailing for Kavin Smith to his third consecutive and sixth overall triumph, yet he and the VSB race commentators received an unwelcome jolt while running near Club 40 on Front Street.

A large banner welcoming the occasion had been strung across the road, which was fine...except that it was not high enough for the vans leading Smith and with radio crews seated atop to pass under.

Hence, there was a loud crack followed by debris flying across the street as the rope became entangled in the van's roof mechanism and snapped.

Smith stuttered briefly as his concentration broke, but the real excitement came from the guys on the truck, who nearly sprung from their seats.

The trailing crew from BBC duly heaped rare praise on their rivals for clearing a safe path and saving their necks...literally.

--------------- BACK in the day a group going by the name of Whodini came up with the mega-hit `The Freaks Come Out At Night'.

But after the events that took place under blazing sunshine on Wednesday some may beg to differ.

Now, it's common that runners are offered many things to aid in the trek as people lining the route offer liquid refreshments, fruit and occasional watering with the garden hose.

But witness Barnes Corner where a dreadlocked trio -- hitherto known as Box, Fish and Rollo -- dressed in Afrocentric garb, provided the rhythmic thumpings of the congo drum.

--------------- SPORT offers thrill in victory, while affording agony in defeat...and for one RG magazine scribe the latter prevailed.

Senior writer John Burchall had spent months training and dieting in anticipation of taking part in his first ever Marathon Derby, going so far as to predict he would beat perennial participant, Royal Gazette sports editor Adrian Robson, who admitted he had done little preparation.

However, just as it appeared Burchall's dream would be realised it evaporated under the cloud of a runner's nightmare...shin-splints.

It turned out Burchall had literally over-trained, running himself into the ground before his effort ever took off.

Meanwhile, Robson, agony etched over his face from mile one, trudged in as Gazette champ once again.