Preparations are under way for the 2022 Bermuda Triangle Challenge, the three-day event of road running races held in January.

This year’s event was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but organisers have announced that registration for next year’s races will open in May.

Global insurance company Chubb, which has a strong presence on the island, has been named as the exclusive lead sponsor for the event.

The sporting festival traces its roots back to 1975. It has been held annually since 1977, beginning as a marathon, and expanding to include a 10K race, Front Street Mile races and a half-marathon.

It regularly attracts more than 1,000 participants, with many coming from overseas, including world-ranking elite athletes.

Two-times British Olympian Eilish McColgan won the Front Street Mile and 10K in 2020, and she is expected to compete in the Tokyo Olympics in the summer.

In previous years, the event has attracted the likes of former world record-holders Grete Waitz, Steve Cram and Steve Jones, past Olympic champions Joan Benoit-Samuelson and Frank Shorter, and former world marathon champion Douglas Wakiihuri.

The Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge is on the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s 2022 calendar and consists of the Butterfield Front Street Mile, in Hamilton, on January 14, the BF&M 10K run and walk, starting and finishing at the National Sports Centre, on January 15, and the PwC half and full marathon races on January 16. The marathon starts at Royal Naval Dockyard and finishes in Hamilton, while the half-marathon starts and finishes in the city.

Samantha Froud, chief administration officer, Bermuda Operations, Chubb, said: “Chubb is proud to become the lead event sponsor of the 2022 Bermuda Triangle Challenge not only because it is one of the most popular events on the local racing calendar, but it also attracts many participants to the island from overseas.

“Additionally, we are happy to align ourselves with this three-day community event as it promotes health and is inclusive of all types of fitness levels. We also believe in the significant potential for growth of this event on the international running circuit which would be impactful for Bermuda’s sports tourism. We look forward to working with the BTC to make the 2022 Bermuda Triangle Challenge a remarkable event for all involved.”

A spokesman from the BTC organising committee said: “It is a pleasure to have such a community-minded organisation such as Chubb come on board to support this premier sporting event.

“With their support as lead event sponsor, we will be able to put the plans in place to deliver an improved participant experience for our local and overseas participants. Additionally, we will be able to further promote the 2022 Bermuda Triangle Challenge by increasing the international exposure with the intention of growing our overseas participation numbers and obtaining esteem within the international road racing circuit.”

Hazel Clarke, the director of sports business development at the BTA, said: “The Bermuda Tourism Authority is happy to once again have the Bermuda Triangle Challenge as a 'Signature Event' on its 2022 calendar.

“This endorsement by Chubb is a testament to strength of this event and its appeal to the local community as well as overseas audiences. Like Chubb, the BTA firmly believes the Bermuda Triangle Challenge will be on our sporting calendar for many years to come, as it has a very fruitful future.

“We look forward to working with the BTC organising committee and Chubb to ensure the 2022 BTC weekend is a tremendous success for Bermuda.”

Registration will open in May for all events, at which time group and individual participants looking to compete in the BTC will be able to register at www.bermudaraceweekend.com