If results of the past few months are anything to go by, history will be created by running couple Chris and Ashley Estwanik on Monday.

Never before have the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby men's and women's titles taken up residence in the same household. But that could all change if the talented Estwaniks have any say in the matter.

Since relocating to Bermuda last year, the couple have dominated the local running scene and are firmly on course to achieve what will be an unprecedented feat.

If things go according to form, the Estwaniks should again have things all their own way covering the 13.1 race course that will see some 625 runners make their way from the Somerset start line to the Dutton Avenue finish in Pembroke.

But both remain wary that a threat could come from any one of their many rivals, most of whom have also tasted victory on Bermuda's roads.

"If everyone is at their best on the day it is going to make it very exciting. Everyone is going to do well," said Chris Estwanik.

"There is tremendous competition and I know Jay (Donawa), Lamont (Marshall) and Terrance (Armstrong) have been training hard. Anything can happen on race day."

As for being favoured to win Bermuda's most prestigious road race at the first bite of the cherry, he added: "Every runner has gone through stages where they have been the favourite or underdog. But there is always someone out there better than you."

The ex-Nike Farm Team runner will have to keep a close eye on past multiple winners Armstrong and Kavin Smith while Donawa will also have plans of finally breaking the tape after a string of second-place disappointments.

Last year's men's winner, Larry Marshall, has been ruled out through a knee injury and won't be back to defend his title.

"I have to take the approach that anything can happen on the day. Everyone at the head of the race has been a favourite at some time," said Chris.

Wife Ashley also isn't taking anything for granted ahead of what she predicted would be an "exciting" battle with defending champion Dawn Richardson, Victoria Fiddick and Kim McMullen.

"There could always be some dark horse out there, you never know," she said. "Victoria has had some setbacks this year but seems to be training well now."

Like husband Chris, Ashley has also put a lot of effort into her pre-race preparations. And losing, she asserted, was not an option.

"If I don't win I will be disappointed as I have given it all in training," she said.

Earlier this week US-based runner Armstrong dropped a bombshell when he hinted this year's race could be his last while Donawa and Smith have again opted to keep their cards close to their chest, staying well away from the media in the days leading up to the race.

"I am backing down on the type of training for May 24th so I can gear more towards training all summer for the marathon (New York Marathon) and not exhaust my body," said Armstrong. "It (May 24th) takes a lot out of me."

Larry Marshall sr, father of Lamont, has backed his son to follow in his elder brother's footsteps by keeping the title in the family.

But he admitted "it will be an interesting day of running."

The race is scheduled to begin at 9.30 a.m.