road race this month after all following the organisers' decision to switch dates.

The BTFA had earlier refused to sanction the Butterfield and Vallis 5K, scheduled for this Sunday, because it clashed with CARIFTA Games trials at the National Sports Centre.

Now, however, the race will go ahead on Sunday, February 18.

Race organisers, the Bermuda Union of Teachers, had planned to describe the race as a fun run after the BTFA originally turned down their request to support the event.

But that could have sparked a showdown between road runners and the BTFA with the governing body warning in an advertisement that appeared in yesterday's Gazette that any runner taking part in the fun run this Sunday could face "disciplinary action''.

However, talks between the interested parties have resulted in an amicable settlement and the event -- now the Butterfield and Vallis Gatorade 5K Road Race -- will take place on February 18.

Mike Charles, General Secretary of the BUT, said he was glad the sanction had been agreed.

"Our event has been on the calendar for about 10 or 12 years. For some reason it was omitted from this year's calendar,'' he said.

"When we realised it, sanction was sought but it was turned down because the BTFA claimed there were some CARIFTA trials or something on that date.

"However, since we couldn't get sanction in order that we didn't jeopardise the athletes we thought we would have a fun run.'' The final agreement came through earlier this week -- too late to stop adverts for the race appearing in The Royal Gazette.

"I think through some mediation through Butterfield and Vallis and others we were able to get sanction for an open date which was February 18,'' Charles said. "Therefore we are going to run it as a sanctioned event.'' Charles said this was a far better decision all round.

"We would like to conform as much as possible to the national body. The whole thing is in the interests of the sport,'' he said.

Had they been forced to call it a fun run, Charles said he did not think this would have led to fewer people taking part.

"I don't think it would have affected our numbers because this is an event that is traditional. We have over 400 people taking part in this race because of the prizes that are offered -- we have a Suzuki bike and an airline ticket for American Airlines,'' he said.

Charles said everything remained the same except for the date, but said if anyone already entered was concerned or could not now make the revised time they should call him and consideration would be given to refunds.

"I suppose we would have to consider that if people were to give us a call.

Some people may be going off the Island or whatever. If there is a problem they would need to give us a call,'' he said.