The Bermuda Race Weekend officially began tonight with the Chubb Triangle Challenge and the much-anticipated Front Street Mile. Stephen DeSilva, head of Bermuda Timing, shared insights about his team’s pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations for this high-profile event.
“Bermuda Timing is the hub of all races in Bermuda,” DeSilva said during an interview. “Our role is to make sure the experience for runners and walkers is seamless, from accurate scoring to proper administration. Everything needs to be in place so participants are where they need to be at the right time.”
Streamlining Race Operations
Bermuda Timing has come a long way since its founding in 2008. Initially reliant on paper entries, the organization now utilizes cutting-edge technology to streamline race logistics. “We use QR codes for participant check-ins, which eliminates the need for manual data entry. Everything is digital now, even registration teams use iPads,” DeSilva explained.
This weekend’s events include three main races: the mile, the 10K, and the marathon/half marathon, which together have attracted nearly 1,700 participants.
The Front Street Mile
The weekend opened with the Front Street Mile, a challenging event for organizers due to the confined space and short race distance. “We have six waves starting tonight, with 600 people running a very short distance of one mile,” DeSilva shared. “The technology ensures that runners who start in the wrong wave are automatically adjusted to the correct one. If someone finishes with a two-minute mile, we know there’s an error.”
Saturday’s 10K and 5K
Saturday will see the largest turnout, with approximately 1,300 participants across the 10K and the newly introduced 5K. Staggered start times—9:00 a.m. for the 10K run, 9:05 a.m. for the 5K run, and 9:10 a.m. for the walks—help prevent confusion at key decision points on the course.
“There’s a point where runners must decide to continue for the 10K or turn for the 5K,” DeSilva explained. “Staggering start times ensures volunteers can easily guide participants based on their bib colors.”
Sunday’s Marathon and Half Marathon
The marathon and half marathon on Sunday offer a more relaxed atmosphere. The marathon kicks off at 7:00 a.m. from Dockyard, followed by the half marathon at 9:00 a.m. The staggered start allows marathon runners to avoid a lonely second lap, as they’ll be joined by half marathoners along North Shore Road.
“The marathoners get a two-hour head start, so by the time they reach South Road, they’ll have plenty of company from the half marathoners,” DeSilva noted.
A Celebration of Bermuda’s Running Community
With the finish line set at Forest Park and quality medals awaiting participants, Bermuda Timing ensures a memorable experience for all. “It’s about thinking ahead, troubleshooting potential problems, and creating a great experience,” DeSilva said.
As the Bermuda Race Weekend unfolds, the dedication and expertise of Stephen DeSilva and his team remain at the heart of this iconic event, showcasing Bermuda’s vibrant running community to the world.
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