Another storm could be brewing over next week’s May 24 Half-Marathon Derby following confirmation that there will be no prizes for age group winners and the annual prize-giving ceremony has been cancelled.Some of the Island’s leading runners hit out last week over the decision by organisers to allow tourists into the race.And the decision to award prizes to only the top three males and females overall will almost certainly cause another controversy.Previous years have seen awards given to those competing in the Over-40 (Masters) and Over-50 (Senior Masters) divisions and runners over the age of 60 have also been recognised.The Masters category has long been one of local road running’s most popular groups with some over-40 competitors regularly placing in the top three and several in the top 10.All other road races on the calendar sanctioned by Bermuda Track and Field Association hand out prizes to those over the age of 40.January’s International Race Weekend gives trophies to the leading junior competitors as well as those over 40, over 50, over 60 and even over 70 in all three distance races, the 10K, the Half-Marathon and full Marathon.The new changes have been confirmed by April Vesey, chair of the Bermuda Track and Field Association’s Road Race Committee, who has been corresponding with Gina Tucker, head of the Derby’s organising committee (see Sports Mailbox, Page 14).Regarding the reduction in prizes, Tucker wrote: “ . . . this is due to the economic times.”However, sponsors Appleby have provided thousands of dollars in previous years to help organisers finance the event.And they are again supporting the race. Dunkley’s Dairy provide drinks along the route from Somerset to Bernard Park.Along with Cup Match, the Derby has been considered Bermuda’s major sporting spectactle for more than 100 years.As many as 1,000 runners could be on the start line next Tuesday, with the late entry deadline set for this Saturday when numbers will be confirmed.The decision to allow visitors to take part was condemned last week by former champions Kavin Smith and Mike Watson as well as several others in the road running community.However, Tucker has said that ‘elite’ runners from overseas would be pulled out of the race, although she has failed to explain how such athletes could be identified.Tucker stated that the decision to invite tourists to compete would boost the tourism industry but the visiting athletes would not be eligible for prizes.She could not be contacted for comment yesterday.