The Northlands Young Reporters invited Appleby Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby committee president Gina Tucker to come to our school so we could learn more about the history of the annual race and why her family is involved.

We found out that the race started over 100 years ago. This year will be the 106th race!

Did you know that the race is older than the parade, which only started in 1977?

Dr Tucker told us that it used to be her uncle and her father who organised the May 24h Derby and they passed it on to her.

Most of her family have helped out over the years and now there is a committee.

This year the race is going to start in St George’s. Back in the day it used to start in St George’s but due to challenges with the bridges and the airport, Somerset became the starting place.

Wherever the race ended, that’s where the fun day would begin.

There’s going to be about 1,000 people racing this year. If you are not used to running from St George’s to town, you may want to know that it is going to be more hilly. And be careful that you are on time for the start! There’s no refunds if you don’t get there on time. It will start at St George’s Square at 9am.

We asked Dr Tucker why they decided to change it back to a St George’s start.

She told us that it’s been such a long time in Somerset, and people have been asking for it to be back in St George’s. She says they always try to entertain the community.

We asked Dr Tucker whether she has ever run the race herself, and she said that 1994 was the last time she did it.

Organising the race takes a lot of work for the committee, but they have help from Appleby which, by the way, is not a computer company but a law firm!

Finally, we asked how long the May 24 race will survive. She said she hopes it will be here forever.

As well as individuals, there are also relay teams that run on May 24. Four people run one-quarter of the full distance each. The Northlands community has a team so if you see them give them a cheer.