Newlyweds Cal and Jane (Christie) Bean will be among the record 1,297 runners who will compete in this year's historical Bermuda Day Marathon Derby.

Between them the running couple have seven Derby titles under their belts and this year they have come out of retirement to take part in the 100th year of the annual road running spectacle.

"The only reason why I am running is because it's the 100th year and the Bermuda Day Marathon Derby has always been my favourite race," explained two-time women's winner Jane.

"I started training in January and have been building up my mileage just enough to get me from start to finish – hopefully in one piece. I haven't been running for about eight years. But it will be nice to be a part of it and having a bit of fun along the way."

Christie captured a first Derby crown in 1983 and a second 15 years later in 1998 – the last year she competed in the race.

"It's going to be a very emotional run, especially when you come around Crow Lane roundabout and Front Street. I think it's going to be very emotional and a great feeling to relive the route and experience the crowds again," she added.

"When you get to that roundabout (Crow Lane) the hair stands up on the back of your neck, it's just an amazing feeling. It just shivers through you and I am really looking forward to it to be honest – just enjoying the crowds and all the people along the way.

"It might be a bit of a struggle but I have been there before. I know what it is like to struggle and have that determination to keep going to the end."

The Beans met each other years ago when her now sister-in-law, Merernette, the first female to compete in the race and a two-time winner, was coached by husband Cal.

"We first met during a 10-miler many, many years ago when Nette (Merernette) was running. I was favourite to win the race but Nette beat me," Jane recalled.

"I got talking to her afterwards and she mentioned that her brother (Cal) had been coaching her and so we met up and ran a few times and eventually Cal started coaching me as well.

"That's how it all started and I owe my good running years basically to him and Clive Longe (former national running coach). It's been an interesting journey."

Now at stake are household bragging rights with Mrs. Bean confident she can win the battle of the sexes.

"My husband will probably be further behind me," she smiled. "But who really cares, we'll probably both hobble in."

Five-times men's winner, Cal, 59, says he's more focused on finishing the race than anything else.

"I just want to make it . . . that's all I want to do. I just want to be a part of the 100th race and hope and pray that I can finish," he said.

"It's going to be history in the making, and I just want to be a part of it all."