Top local runner Kavin Smith will return to the Island to defend his title in the annual Marathon Derby next Wednesday.

His appearance in the biggest event on the local road racing calendar was confirmed by Lee Tucker who has been assisting Smith in his bid to qualify for the marathon at September's Sydney Olympic Games.

This week Smith remains in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he has been training in high altitude to reach peak fitness -- a tactic used by many of the world's elite runners.

But according to Tucker, he desperately wants to get back to defend his May 24 title over the 13.3 mile course from Somerset to Bernard Park.

"We are anticipating that he will be back in about five days. I have been trying to contact him for the last few days but haven't done so yet,'' said Tucker. "Hopefully he isn't close to those fires that are raging in that region.

"The local marathon is something that he considers to be very attractive at this particular time. It enables him to run a much shorter race than the full marathon (26.2 miles) so he can gauge where he is following his training overseas.

"The Marathon Derby will be a good test in that it isn't held on an easy course, the conditions are always difficult and doing well on this challenging route will be encouraging for him.'' Tucker noted that Smith had been made aware of the cash offer of $5,000 that has been put up for the top male and female runners in the Derby who can beat the existing course records.

Smith holds the men's record of one hour, eight minutes and 30 seconds and he won last year in 1:09.58.

But Tucker insisted his focus remained on qualifying for Sydney. His last chance will be at the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota on June 17.

In order to qualify, Smith needs to finish in a time of two hours, 20 minutes -- an improvement of almost 10 minutes over his marathon best of 2:29.45 recorded in Las Vegas in February.

Entries for the May 24 race closed on Monday but late entries will be accepted up to noon today when forms must be returned to the Sportseller, The Pro Shop or International Sports Shop. The fee is $25 for late entries.

Race numbers will be issued at the Devonshire Recreation Club on Friday between 5.30 and 7.30 p.m. and Saturday from 3.00 to 6.30 p.m.

The race will start in Somerset at 9.30 a.m. and end at Bernard Park, as usual, and there will be five divisions -- male and female juniors (16-19), Open (20-39), Masters (40-490, Seniors (50-59) and elders (60 and over).

Runners under the age of 16 will not be allowed to participate.

The race is also only open to persons who have been resident in Bermuda before May 1, 2000.

Prizes will be distributed at an awards ceremony on the Leopards Club lawn next Friday, at 6.30 p.m.

Kavin Smith: eager to return to Bermuda from his training base in New Mexico.