competition and quality of this month's three-day road running extravaganza would be "every bit as good as in previous years.'' But he declined to name any of the overseas star athletes until a press conference due to be held at 11.00 tomorrow morning.

With the event just over a week away, the only names confirmed so far are those of defending Front Street Mile and 10K champion Michal Bartoszak and defending women's 10K champion Anne Marie Letko.

However, Guishard believes Bartoszak won't have everything his own way in the Friday night dash, an event the Pole has won for the past two years.

"We've got some new young blood coming in who I think will give him (Bartoszak) a run for his money. The quality of the field is every bit as good as in previous year, maybe even better.'' That said, Guishard isn't optimistic any of the elite contestants will pick up the $10,000 bonus on offer for anyone breaking the four minute barrier.

"Every year we see potential in the field for a four minute mile, but a number of factors come into play which defeat that objective,'' he added.

"It appears to be a flat, relatively easy challenge, but it isn't. There's a slope, there's the wind to consider and there's the turn-arounds. They all combine to make it more difficult than it looks.'' Although the elite mile field hasn't been confirmed it appears likely that Steve Burgess, who is traditionally used as the "rabbit'', Mike Watson and Terrence Armstrong will be among the invited local entrants.

Saturday's 10K and Sunday's marathon and half-marathon follow although Guishard was unable to say how many would compete in those races with late entries still flowing in.

On offer in the marathon, which Bermuda Track and Field Association had hoped to boost following a gradual decline in numbers in recent years, are $10,000 bonuses for the first runners to break the male record of 2:15.20 set in 1980 by Andy Holden of England or the female record of 2:42.47 set in 1990 by Sally Eastall of England.

Bonuses of $5,000 will also go to the first male Bermuda resident to beat the record of 2:27.22 set in 1980 by Ray Swan and to the first female Bermuda resident to beat the mark of 2:54.18 set in 1990 by Debbie Butterfield.

Guishard noted that Race Weekend was still looking for corporate sponsors and volunteers, who could contact him at the Department of Youth and Sport.

ANDY HOLDEN -- $10,000 to anyone who can better his Bermuda marathon record of 2:15.20