Dear Sir,I have a lot of respect for the Derby organisers but the recent decision by the Marathon Committee to include tourists in the annual 24th of May Bermuda Day event is disturbing to Bermudians who value the race’s traditions and uniqueness.Why make this race just another road race? Why steal Race Weekend’s thunder where foreign participation is already encouraged during our slow season? The Derby won’t bring more tourists at a time when they are starting vacations traditionally. It’s obvious money is the issue. This race serves as an annual championship for Bermuda’s best middle and long distance runners were they are showcased without the influence of any possible vacationing non Bermudian top class runners.US track and fields governing bodies don’t allow foreign participation in their annual half-marathon championship. Why should we?I disagree totally with the so called research done by the Derby Committee about locals accepting tourists in this event. If the questions asked were to include tourists in terms of raising revenue to aid charities without mentioning or considering top class runners to influence the race maybe some would agree to including them.I know based on the response I have recently received from a recent news article Bermudians are vehemently against the idea if tourists are allowed to start with the locals. Many don’t mind the idea if tourists start minutes after the last local runners. Seeding similar to what is done in other world class events such as Peachtree road race.Many of us don’t buy the idea that many tourists run the event already. I call the names of most of the finishers every year and have yet to see any tourist accept our honorary senior runner Sid from New Jersey.The race was started over 100 years ago by a rivalry between Bermuda born and Bermuda residents, not tourists. This tradition was followed until a tourist out ran Gary Wilkinson and myself in the 1980’s. This triggered an outcry from the Bermuda residents encouraging the then Derby organisers to maintain the tradition of only allowing local residents in the event.Let the winner have his unshared day of glory. In Bermuda we all look forward to cherishing the champion Bermudian sports superstars of annual events such as Cup Match, 24th of May Marathon, the long distance comet race, Football league and FA winners and the Round the Island powerboat race.The reality is the race does already allow non Bermudian participation in terms of expatriates who have been here six months plus. Limiting outside influence is important to maintaining the unique Bermudian qualities of this race.I am very concerned that the organisers see fit to consult in the wisdom of the BTFA as did their predecessors. A lot of advice can be given as the event organisers seek improvements in the future. After all the local governing body has the authority to sanction the event. This event also serves as a qualifier for CAC Games half-marathon which is why no one questioned it being made an official accurate half-marathon.MIKE WATSON