question remaining is who will emerge as a strong challenger to the favourite Tracy Wright, winner of the race two years ago.

The latest names to surface as possible threats to Wright are former Bermuda International Marathon winner Errol Cormack and Portuguese runner Antonio Correia.

While neither have been seen competing regularly on the road running and cross-country circuits this season, they have nevertheless been spotted working out hard in various areas of the Island. However, the lack of competition puts doubt on the ability of the duo to offer a serious challenge this year.

Last year Correia was fifth behind Wright. Correia turned in a time of 1:15:59 while Wright's was 1:14:28. Watson won in 1:12:56. Cormack did not participate.

Wright is not overlooking Cormack and Correia as being threats though, admitting to be fully aware of their great running ability.

"I haven't seen them out competing, but I've heard that they have been out there training hard. So I'm expecting them to be around to challenge the leaders,'' said Wright.

This year's race is unique because it marks the first time that many of the elite runners in both the male and female division are not competing, omitting themselves for various reasons. Among the missing are defending overall champion Mike Watson and last year's runner-up Terrance Armstrong while Brett Forgesson, who was third a year ago, has entered but remains a doubtful starter because of a hamstring injury.

The female entry list is also absent of a few elite performers with Karen Adams, second to winner Sandra Mewett last year, sidelined along with Maria Conroy-Haydon who has made quite an impact on the road running scene this season. Anna Eatherley, who was third last year, is back but suggests that she will not be a strong challenger because she has not put in the mileage after coming off the sick list two months ago.

The long absentee list many believe has made it easier for Wright and Mewett to win their respective divisions with a number of male runners also regarded as being darkhorses, but virtually no one is expected to emerge to challenge Mewett.

Wright himself has named Cormack and Kevin Tucker as the duo he expects to offer a spirited challenge while 1991 winner Watson has added the name of Mark Perry, who was seventh last year in a time of 1:16:24.

Tucker is relatively unknown over these longer distances, but he became a force to be reckoned with three weeks ago when he finished second to Wright in the SunLife 10-K. Wright won in 33:13 and Tucker followed him home in 33:53.

Watson said that while Tucker has a lot of potential the Marathon Derby course will "see what he is made of.'' It may turn out to be a great tactical race, especially after Wright and Perry admitted that they burnt themselves out last year by starting off quickly with the front-runners last year. They have vowed not to make the same mistake again.

Race time is 9.30 a.m.

Eldon (Toby) Binns has taken over as race director from Richard Tucker.

CONTENDERS -- Antonio Correia, left, and Errol Cormack figure to be in the running on Monday.