there'll be plenty at stake further back in the pack where Bermuda's own runners will battle for supremacy.

Tomorrow's 10K could provide a mouth-watering showdown between Jay Donawa and Kavin Smith -- if both make it to the start line.

Smith, the Island's long-time king of the road, is listed among the 10K entries but it wasn't clear last night whether he would run. Calls to his office this week were not returned.

Donawa, however, will compete, aiming to lower his time of last year when he led home the locals in 32:50.

In their last meeting two months ago, Donawa easily beat Smith over the half-marathon, but the latter was reportedly suffering from an injury.

Smith has a personal best over the International 10K course of 31.52 (1989), and if he's fit could again get close to that time. Then again, he could opt to skip the 10K and instead run in Sunday's marathon, as has been rumoured.

That would set up another showdown, this time with former Commonwealth Games marathoner Brett Forgesson.

Forgesson led Bermuda's runners over the 26.2 mile distance both in 1996 (2:38.40) and last year (2:41:00), and in New York last November finished a mere 15 seconds behind Smith.

On the women's side, Karen Adams looks certain to successfully defend her 10K title tomorrow, having won every road race she entered last year and this year's Princess to Princess.

Her biggest threat will likely come from the improving Lynn Patchett and possibly Anna Eatherley and Maria Conroy Haydon, both of whom are returning to form after giving birth to children during 1987. Adams, Patchett and Eatherley will also line up in tonight's Front Street mile, with again Adams favourite to repeat her win of a year ago.

Three-time local marathon winner Kim Mason -- her streak was ended by Jane Christie last year -- is again expected to be in contention this year, although Rosemary Jones, making her first attempt at the distance, could also challenge.

And in the half-marathon on Sunday, Jamal Hart will look to repeat his 1997 victory, although again much could depend on the presence (or absence) of Kavin Smith, who is among the listed entries as is top distance runner Tracy Wright who won in 1993 and 1995.

With some of the top names, such as Smith, Donawa, Wright and Forgesson all missing from the entry, tonight's local male mile appears to be a two-horse race between Irishman David Dunwoody and Bermudian Sheldon Thompson who were separated by just two seconds in last month's qualifying heats.

Defending champion Mike Watson didn't attempt to qualify this year but one who could challenge is newcomer to the Island Tilo Raufenstrauch.

Volunteers are still urgently needed for this weekend's international races.

Persons available should call Steve DeSilva at 236-9586 and leave a message.

When and where . . .

READY, STEADY . . . International Race Weekend preparations moved into top gear yesterday as volunteers began to greet the hundreds of runners who have flown into the Island for this weekend's four events. Pictured lending a helping hand at No. 6 Shed on Front Street, where a Race Expo is also being held, are (from left) Ludwig Cann, Myra Brayham, Harry Kast and Peggy Couper.

TODAY 4.00-7.00 p.m. Registration and number pick-up at No 6 Passenger Terminal, Front Street.

7.30-9.15 p.m. Bank of Butterfield Mile: 7.30 p.m. Girls under 12 7.42 p.m. Boys under 12 7.54 p.m. Girls under 18 8.06 p.m. Boys under 18 8.18 p.m. Local women 8.30 p.m. Local men 8.42 p.m. Celebrity race 8.53 p.m. Elite race Each race starts and finishes at the Bank of Butterfield.

TOMORROW Bermuda International 10K & Charity Walk Start time 10.00 a.m.

Where National Stadium, Devonshire.

Route Start is on Parsons Road, just west of the Stadium's Southeast gate.

Runners take Montpelier Road south to Middle Road; left (east) on Middle Road to Flatts Hill; through Flatts Village and west along North Shore Road; left into Palmetto Road and Frog Lane.

Finish Half-way along the Eastern straightaway of the track inside the Stadium.

SUNDAY Bermuda International Marathon and Half Marathon Start time 7.00 a.m. (for slower marathon runners), 9.00 a.m. (for half- marathon and marathon field).

Where Front Street West at Barr's Bay Park.

Route East along Front Street and East Broadway to Trimingham Road, continuing to South Road; east (left) on to South Road and through parishes of Paget, Devonshire and Smith's to Devil's Hole Hill; north to Harrington Sound, turning west (left) on to Harrington Sound Road to Flatts; west on North Shore Road to St John's Road at Admiralty House; turn east (left) onto St John's Road, bearing right at Cox's Hill to Pitt's Bay Road; continue onto Front Street.

Finish Half Marathon ends on Front Street opposite No 1 Shed; Marathon continues for a second loop before finishing outside No 6 Shed. Finish line closes at 3.00 p.m.