The Bermuda Day Half Marathon has undergone a name change, the event’s organisers have announced.As of this year the annual 13.1 mile road race is to be referred to as the Appleby Half Marathon Derby to mirror Appleby’s “long-standing support” of the iconic event.The local law firm have also extended its sponsorship of the half marathon for an additional five years.“Appleby has supported the half marathon for nine years, bringing its total contribution since 2005 to more than $300,000,” said president of the Appleby Half Marathon Derby Organising Committee Gina Tucker in a statement issued to the media. “The event’s new name and logo will be used on the official website (www.bermudamarathon.bm) and in promotional materials.”Appleby Bermuda Managing Partner Kiernan Bell said the company is “extremely proud” to continue supporting this popular and culturally important event.“Our aim with local projects is to encourage community spirit and inclusivity across all age groups and sectors, and ones that embody values of discipline, good sportsmanship and teamwork,” she said. “We believe the half marathon captures these elements and feel strongly about aligning our name with it.”Bell added: “With the half marathon having been in existence for over 100 years, it is one that is near and dear to many of us at Appleby. Personally, I grew up watching and supporting it, not least because my father ran it many times. The event captures the attention and imagination of runners and non runners alike and is a cultural mainstay and one ingrained in celebrating the island’s unique heritage on Bermuda Day.“The partners and I believe the Appleby Half Marathon Derby is and will always be one of great significance to our community and that we should continue supporting in any way we can.”Tucker said the partnership between the half marathon and Appleby “could not be more perfect”.“Both boast long-standing history in our community and both are part of our unique heritage,” she added. “We could not be more pleased with this partnership as it ensures support for this event for many years to come.”This year will see the Appleby Half Marathon Derby continue its ‘charitable giving’ element introduced in recent years, with the Committee selecting recipients in need of funds.“This year, the charity focus will be on sports whereby the event will support young people in their various sporting endeavours which include running, swimming, tennis and soccer,’ Tucker added. “The Committee is excited that these young people will benefit from this year’s Appleby Half Marathon Derby which is a celebration of the Bermudian spirit. We encourage as many runners and relay teams as possible to participate and support Bermuda’s rising sporting stars.”Early registration for next month’s race is currently underway. The initial race registration deadline is Friday, May 10 while Friday, May 17 has been set aside as the deadline for late entries.Number pickup and final registration will be held Saturday 18 May at Appleby (in courtyard, Church Street entrance).For further details potential participants have been urged to visit the official Appleby Half Marathon Derby website at www.bermudamarathon.bm.