Wearing different bibs and alternative starting times for non-residents are some of the measures being implemented for the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby next year.

This year’s race, which was shrouded in controversy when non-resident Dennis Mbelenzi crossed the line first ahead of Bermudian Lamont Marshall is now likely to be the last won by a visiting athlete.

Gina Tucker, president of the organising committee, has confirmed that the rules regarding eligibility for prizes remain the same but the new measures should prevent an international winner.

“Visitors will wear different-coloured bibs and they may start at a different time this year,’’ Tucker said.

“In regards to tourists participating, we have done surveys, we have talked to people and all sorts of thinking went behind deciding that the rules will stay the same, meaning you will need to be resident for six months in order to receive any prizes.

“It was believed that International Race Weekend [Triangle Challenge] is for international runners who want to race that way, so we have decided that as much as possible, we want to keep this race local.

“Bermuda is too hospitable to not include people who just want to run for the fun of it. We don't promote this race overseas, but if anyone does want to drop into the race they are more than welcome.”

Dating back to 1909, the Half-Marathon Derby will be in its 115th year and organisers are delighted that the 2024 race will take place on May 24 itself.

“The race is on Friday, May 24, which is pretty awesome,” Tucker said.

“The fact that the 115th is actually on the May 24, we’re excited about that. We’re celebrating the 115th, so we’re having a couple of things going on in celebration. We’re going to have a few initiatives coming, but I’ll announce them in the new year.”

As well as the changes surrounding non-residents, those competing will experience a different atmosphere at the finish with the event now finishing on Court Street, near Jamaican Grill and Spinning Wheel, instead of Bernard Park.

“The idea is to end the race in a community versus ending in a desert, so to speak,’’ she said.

“There will be a lot more energy that will come with ending in a community like Court Street. The prize presentation will be there and everything will happen there.”

“It’s different from ending on a field. It’s been ending at Bernard Park for about 35 years since the parade started. In the past, the finishing point moved around, going in all sorts of directions. Court Street was not the only finish, but it was one of the finishes.

“Once the Government determined that we’ll have the Bermuda Day Parade, the race officials stopped moving it around. On some of the years, it ended up at the National Stadium, then it changed back to Bernard Park.

“Now we’re going to Court Street hopefully to stay and that this is the final finish line.”