A group of women called the Sole Sisters Run Bermuda will compete in various races this weekend.

Sole Sisters is composed of women from throughout the United States. One member, Toni Jones, said they have never run in the Bermuda Marathon Weekend, but were looking forward to it.

“Sole Sisters Run Bermuda is the brainchild of Lalon Deneen Lofton-Walters,” she said. “She is an extreme athlete who completed two half Ironman competitions, routinely runs full marathons, and participates in a host of other athletic activities. Deneen also encourages others to take control of their health through exercise.”

Last year Lofton-Walters managed to get a group to run a marathon in the Caribbean.

“Deneen inspired a group of nine ladies to participate in the Reggae Marathon Weekend held in Jamaica,” said Jones. “Many in the group did not know each other beforehand but had one common goal — enjoy the friendship of great women in beautiful, tropical surroundings. The trip was a rousing success, and the decision was immediately made to plan such a weekend event annually.

“Deneen chose the Bermuda Marathon Weekend as the next locale. Through social media and word of mouth, the group grew to 20 with several planning to visit the Island for the first time. Some will come as spectators to cheer on participants in races including the triple challenge.”

The group runs races in the Caribbean and the US. But they are also thinking further afield.

“We are expanding our race destinations by planning a trip to the 2016 inaugural Disney Half-Marathon in Paris.

Describing the group, Jones said: “Our ages range from mid 30s to early 60s. Deneen is our common denominator. Most of us will meet for the first time this weekend and will soon be spiritual sisters.

“We live all over the US and represent a wide variety of races, ethnicities, and professions. Those descriptions, along with our families, will be left at our homes for the weekend. Our focus is to develop meaningful bonds with lots of laughter,” said Jones, adding that Bermuda will be the ideal destination for the group.

“It’s a beautiful Island — we will exercise and make new friends — what’s not to love?!”