in the United States.

The prize will go to seven of the children who take part in a new running series competition, five events culminating in a track meet at the National Stadium in April.

Success in each event will be rewarded with points and the winning boys and girls in each of the three age groups, plus one other competitor who wins a draw prize, will win the trip to a camp next summer.

Only children under the age of 16 before April 30 next year will be allowed to enter the competition, to be known as the KPMG Running Series.

Brett Forgesson, president of series co-ordinators Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club, felt the idea would encourage extra commitment from young runners.

"The idea of a series of races gives competitors extra incentive. Often, they take part in one race and then you don't see them again for a while,'' said Forgesson.

The age group categories will be 8-10, 11-12 and 13-15, and children will be able to keep track of their current standings after each event.

The first four events of the series will be staged on Sundays, every two weeks from January 24, when the opening race, the KPMG Junior 3K and 5K will take place.

The Butterfield & Vallis race will follow on February 7 and the Ocean Spray 3K on February 21. The MRM 1.5 and 5 mile races will be the fourth event on March 7 and the grand finale will be a 3,000 metres and 5,000 metres track event at the National Stadium on April 17.

Under-12s will run between 1.5 miles and three kilometres, while under-16s will take part in events of between five kilometres and five miles.

Dave Morrison, of sponsors KPMG, said: "We are committed to the youth of Bermuda and this series of runs is a perfect vehicle to show that commitment.'' And although road racing was a popular participation sport on the Island, Morrison felt it would be good for children to race on the track as well. "We have included the 3,000m and 5,000m races to promote track events and to encourage talented juniors to go down to the National Stadium,'' he added.