the most competitive in recent years, with a number of intriguing match-ups certain to materialise.

Identities of the more prominent overseas athletes, as well as other race details were revealed yesterday by organisers during a lavish press conference.

Six defending champions have been confirmed for a repeat showing along with at least one other former winner.

Reigning Bank of Butterfield Mile champ Michael Bartoszak as expected leads the list, along with Robert Yara (ADT Bermuda Marathon -- male), Anne Marie Letko (ADT Bermuda 10K and Half Marathon), James Lauck (ADT Bermuda Half Marathon) and Kim Goff (ADT Bermuda Marathon -- women).

All are scheduled to arrive early next week and, in addition, 1992 mile winner Joe Falcon is also on the entry list.

American Falcon and 23-year-old Bartoszak, the current Polish mile champion, will hook up in one of the more eagerly-awaited contests in the form of Friday night's Bank of Butterfield Elite Mile.

Creating intrigue is the fact that Falcon defeated Bartoszak over the one mile loop along Front Street back in 1992, when he also set the course record of four minutes, 4.16 seconds.

The Pole rebounded to triumph easily a year ago in the absence of Falcon and it is hoped that the increased competition will encourage the eclipsing of the four minute barrier, which carries a $10,000 bonus.

Meanwhile, Falcon, 26, and boasting a personal best of 3:49.31 on track, has re-established himself among the world's elite distance runners following a career downturn highlighted by his tripping during the 1,500 metres at the 1992 United States Olympic trials and consequent failure to make the squad.

This compares to a road best 3:47:26 posted by Bartoszak.

"In the Bank of Butterfield Elite Mile, in my opinion, we have one of the most impressive fields in terms of quality that we have ever had,'' said Peter Lever, race director for the ADT Bermuda 10K and Fitness Walk and main mover behind the securing of foreign entrants.

"It may well be the strongest field ever, as in the past we've had one elite runner who seemed to break away early and then had to struggle -- usually into a headwind -- coming back past Number Six Shed.

"That's usually the point where the lead runner loses the chance to break four minutes, not just because of the headwind, but because he's not being pushed at that point and for runners the final third is probably the hardest.'' Aside from the aforementioned duo, other legitimate contenders -- all with sub-four minute mile times under their belts -- are Canada's Dave Reid, fourth last year, Gerardo Mosquera of the US and Russian Viacheslav Shabounin.

England's Paul Freary has a career best of 4:01 and was fifth in 1993.

Several of the mile runners are expected to "double up'' for the 10K, which is due to air on sports network television giant ESPN on January 31 as well as at a later date.

With Mexico's Marcus Barreto opting not to take part in the 10K, America's Jerry Lawson, the only entrant having broken 28 minutes, stands out as the early favourite for next Saturday's installment.

However, he is not alone as countryman Keith Brantley, Briton David Lewis along with Eddy Hellebuyck (Belgium), Steve Boyd (Canada) and Scott Bagley should give Lawson "a run for the money.

"Lawson would probably be my dark-horse,'' suggested Lever. "Watch out for him and Lewis.'' On the women's side Letko, arguably the best female in the US at present over 10 kilometres, rates at the head of the pack.

Lisa Harvey, Laura Mykytok and Misti Demko have what might be termed as a `puncher's chance', however, and in all likelihood they will be battling solely for the runner-up spot.

Yara holds most of the cards in the marathon (Sunday), but must be careful of those being dealt by Russian Juri Kazmin, possessing a personal best of 2:13:14 compared to 2:16 by the former.

Rudolf Csikos (Hungary), Mail Bairamgalin (Russia) and Walter Faion (Canada) also warrant special attention.

As usual, numerous local runners will also take part, with the likes of Kavin Smith, Tracy Wright, Terrence Armstrong and Brett Forgesson prominent among the men, while Sandra Mewett, Jennifer Fisher and Anna Eatherley are the notable females.

Still, Lever reserved special words of appreciation for those not expected to challenge for honours, which, nevertheless, make the various events special.

"Without the ordinary runners in these races there wouldn't be a need for any of the elite,'' he said. "We shouldn't forget the bulk of the ordinary runners who make up most of our competitors and the bulk of our visitors coming next weekend.'' JOE FALCON -- The 1992 mile winner is confirmed, setting up a much-anticipated showdown with Michael Bartoszak next Friday night.