Run away to Bermuda for a marathon fitness session

By GREG COATES

Fitness enthusiasts can spend a weekend in Bermuda with marathon runner Kathrine Switzer, courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

The event takes place Jan. 18 to 20 during Bermuda Race Weekend, the island's marathon. Guests can get fitness tips from Switzer, who in 1967 became the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon, and author of Marathon Woman.

The "Run Away to Bermuda" package includes three nights at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess or the Fairmont Southampton, breakfast, transportation to marathon festivities and motivational fitness clinics led by Switzer. The package costs from $519 (U.S.) per person, double occupancy.

The Fairmont Southampton is also offering a four-night "Walk Bermuda" package, which includes daily walking tours, island dining and entertainment.

Available Jan. 17 to 20, rates start at $849 (U.S.) per person. For details, visit www.marathontours.com or call 1-800-444-4097.

FEES REDUCED: Effective Dec. 1, the $80 application fees for the NEXUS and the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) programs will be cut to $50. NEXUS is a joint Canada Border Services Agency/U.S. Customs and Border Protection program designed to simplify border crossings for pre-approved travellers. It is available at eight major Canadian airports and 11 land border crossings. FAST, available at 22 border crossings, is a commercial program that provides pre-approved and security-cleared carriers, importers and drivers with speedier clearance at the Canada-U.S. land border.

SIT BACK, RELAX: Air Transat will increase leg room in economy class in all its aircraft starting in May 2008. The average space between each row of seats will be increased to 81 centimetres from 76 centimetres.

Check IT OUt: Air Jamaica has introduced new checked baggage rules for the holiday season that may affect passengers travelling in November and December.

Passengers in economy class may check up to two bags weighing no more than 22 kilograms each at no charge. As of Nov. 1, the fee on checked bags weighing more than 22 kilograms and up to 32 kilograms is $60 for each bag. No excess baggage will be accepted on the Toronto to Kingston route in December. For details, call 905-676-4844.

`NEW' SITE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts has redesigned its www.spg.com website for members of the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program. The site includes a personal portal in which members can access their account and search for properties.

RENOIR ON DISPLAY: The Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting "Renoir Landscapes" through Jan. 6, the only U.S. destination and the final stop for this touring exhibition. Renoir Landscapes packages, including one night's accommodation for two and two preferred admission exhibition tickets, start at $169 (U.S.) and are available at www.philamuseum.org.