Well-known runner and race organiser April Vesey bids the Island farewell this weekend after 23 years.Over the years she has been an integral part in the road running scene, notably as director of the popular Fairmont-to-Fairmont Road Race and as part of the Bermuda Track and Field Association executive.When she arrived in Bermuda in 1989 as a nurse, she thought she would only be here for a year. She met her now-husband Tom and ended up staying.It was around 11 years ago that Vesey started running and the first race she competed in was the Fairmont-to-Fairmont. Along with her friend and fellow Canadian Lisa van Wanrooy, she got involved with the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club, which led to her taking an active role in assisting with race organising.Vesey has been ever present at most road races on the Island, either as a competitor or in a behind the scenes role.She said: “I’ve enjoyed meeting all the runners I would otherwise not have met. Runners are a great group of people.“And I’ve enjoyed all the races here and getting the opportunity to do the Boston Marathon (with MAAC).”Another highlight for Vesey was winning the ‘Queen of the Dunes’ title, an informal time-handicap race across the sands of Warwick Long Bay and Horseshoe Beach.She has also enjoyed her time as a member of the growing ‘Misfits’ women’s cycling group.Of her involvement on the race organising and administrative side of things, she said: “I really feel you have to give back, and you should give back if you run races.”At one point Vesey was vice-president of MAAC, and she spent a number of years as part of the BTFA executive, working alongside current president Donna Watson.“The reason I went there was to bridge the gap between the road runners and the BTFA and it has been very positive. The committee all get along really well and get a lot accomplished,” she said. One change introduced is the way BTFA dues are now collected automatically as part of race fees.Vesey has also been involved with the Carifta Games committee.The Vesey family are heading for a new life in Vancouver Island. “I love Bermuda, and I’m going to miss it. But we feel it is a good time to move and expand the horizon for out three children,” said Vesey.She is also looking forward to being close to family and friends in her native Canada. “Vancouver Island reminds me a lot of Bermuda.”But she will also miss Bermuda, she said: “My husband’s family are all Bermudian and I feel a part of the community here. I feel like it is my home. Bermuda is a great place. You feel very comfortable and safe here I’ll miss going downtown and meeting people I know.”