Hundreds took to Front Street to help support the Women's Resource Centre by taking part in the You Go Girl Relay on Sunday.

Amid the party-like atmosphere of music, fancy dress costumes, a full spectrum of colour and an abundance of camaraderie, teams of three made up of all ages completed three laps of the two-kilometre course.

Christine de Silva, one of the organisers of the event, spoke of the vital significance of staging the race, which over the last twelve years has raised awareness and valuable funds for the non-profit charity whose mission is to enhance the lives of women in Bermuda.

“I was a runner at the time and it seemed to be that women had no event specifically for them and so I wanted to help create something that catered to all ages, shapes and ability,” she said.

“From the beginning it has just grown and now people just really go to town with getting dressed up and creating an incredible event.

“It’s just so important, because the only all-women charity on the island is the Women’s Resource Centre and we’ve managed to help raise over $100,000 dollars over the past eleven years.

“It’s wonderful to know this event has helped in that way and I’m just so proud of all the people taking part, no matter whether they are young or old, running or walking it’s just great to see everyone come out year after year and support the event and the charity.

“The charity are so special and important. They are a resource and people need to know that they can go to them for help. They are a resource to support any women who are going through any difficulties.”

The first team across the finish line were Bermuda Day Queens, made up of Half Marathon Derby winners, Gayle Lindsay, Rose-Anna Hoey and Deon Breary, who clocked a winning time of 23 min 15 sec to take top spot in the Run Open category.

While more accustomed to claiming top honours in the island’s most fiercely contested races, Lindsay reiterated the greater significance of taking part in the event.

“This race is all about coming out getting dressed up and helping to support the event and charity,” said Lindsay, winner of this year’s Bermuda Day race. “It’s just so nice to see so many women and girls of all ages come out and race to support a really special event.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Hoey, who added, “Helping a charity like the Women’s Resource Centre is just so important because not only do they support women, but also children as well.

“If children get a good start in life then it makes such a major difference.”

Petal To The Metal, comprised of Cristina Abend, Aunika Dzurus and Paige Rodday sealed second place in 25:35 with Cary Butterfield, Anna Laura Hocking and Danielle Marr, of One Hit Wonders, rounding out the top three.

Ever-present participants TLC made up of Terri Durrant, Lynn Norman and Carolyn Conway took top spot in the Run Masters category in 33:48, while the trio of Tracee Seymour, Jya Rattery-Smith and Kristina Wright, who made up Baby Got Track, prevailed in the Run Family category in 32:18.

Taking the top honours in the Run All 6k category, which saw each of the team members complete all three laps, was Mini But Mighty, made up of Ava Butterfield, Madison Shindel and Somers Estwnaik. They finished ahead of Elizabeth Blankendal, Laura Farge-Lowe and Lorraine Shailer, of team Lalolitas.

The team of Intellectually Physioactive, made up of Sally Teixeira, Sarah Maybury and Katherine White came home first in the Corporate category in a time of 30:24, while Nancy Andrews-Sousa, Arlene MacGuinness and Naomi MacGuinness, of Not Just A Gentlemen's Game, took top spot in the Competitive Walk in 43:04.