large with the annual race less than a week away.

And as usual Watson offered little insight as to what his plans were regarding the event he last won in 1991 -- though it is highly unlikely he will participate.

Watson has been spotted on the roads training in recent weeks, but he downplayed the rumour, saying: "Running is a way of life for me. I always stay in shape, but to what degree is the question.

"Realistically I haven't been training much...I'm retired.

"I'm looking slow right now and probably would only be good for maybe 30th place.'' Every year the question of whether Watson will enter is bandied about and Watson admitted that he likes to keep the opposition guessing.

Hence it would be of little surprise if on race day Watson was there to answer the starter's gun. An example of this came at last year's Heritage Track Meet, when Watson suddenly appeared at the start of the 3,000 metres -- a race he failed to finish, dropping out at the halfway stage.

"Everybody's wondering what's going on and when I show up the opposition see me there and start thinking a bit what I might do, which gives me an edge,'' said Watson. "I would say that these guys today are too fast for me...plus I'm happy to continue with my retirement.'' Nearly always a factor during the race is the weather, particularly the heat and humidity, which has proven the downfall of many pretenders to the throne.

Tracy Wright succumbed to the elements last year after leading much of the way and even Watson, who enjoys running under hot conditions, required medical assistance for heat exhaustion following his 1991 triumph.

Watson said that those who were able to overcome this aspect stood a greater chance of winning.

"It's a number of things (that are keys to winning), but the biggest thing is that you have to have the physiological and psychological make-up that adjusts to the climate.

"God has blessed me and others to be able to compete in the heat to the point where I crave it. I don't feel good running in the cold.'' He also emphasised the importance of being track orientated and indicated that this would favour a runner like college student and former junior champion Jay Donawa, if he were to take part.

"Guys these days are running slower times and I would certainly say that the sport has deteriorated over the past few years.

"There should be somebody out there to run consistently fast times and this is not happening, because they are not track orientated. Like Kavin Smith, if he is to improve he must race track...not only train track.'' A third key mentioned was the determination to win.

"These guys just don't have the sheer determination and guts I have,'' said Watson. "I came up in an era with guys like Cal Bean, Jeff Payne, John Beeden and these guys had guts. You had to be on the top of your game just to stay with them, let alone beat them.'' Fourthly, Watson feels that runners have to have aspirations beyond the Marathon Derby. If they can do that, he says, the May 24th race would be a walk in the park. "They should be interested in putting Bermuda on the map and the best way to do that is to run track.'' As for any effect the boisterous crowd lining the route might have Watson said: "The only time you notice the crowd is when you're well out in front and near the finish line, or if you're running badly and need an excuse.'' He also sounded a warning for next year, saying: "If they want to beat me, they'll have to train with me.'' MIKE WATSON.