women's champions in last January's Bank of Butterfield Front Street Mile, turned up for the weekend's qualifying heats for next month's 1998 edition.

But the two runners who chased them home a year ago served notice that they're ready to challenge again.

Irishman David Dunwoody, just three seconds behind Watson when he set a new local record of four minutes, 29.5 seconds last January, was the top qualifier in the men's open division as he clocked an impressive 4:35.4.

And Karen Adams, only two seconds behind Fisher when they last met over this distance, led the Island women with a time of 5:22.2, almost 12 seconds slower than her January Front Street time of 5:10.8.

The trials, held on Saturday and Sunday at National Stadium, saw a large turn-out, particularly among the primary school divisions from which only 20 youngsters advanced to the finals.

It wasn't known yesterday whether Watson and Fisher would defend their titles next month -- or even whether they would be given clearance to compete after missing the heats.

But regardless, Dunwoody, who ran an outstanding debut marathon in New York last month, showed he's lost none of his speed over the shorter distance and will again be a threat.

Also displaying good form was Sheldon Thompson who clocked 4:37.2 in a separate heat to Dunwoody's as he was pressed by Island newcomer Tilo Rautenstrauch who recorded the third fastest time of 4:45.2.

Only seven of the 20 male open qualifiers dipped under five minutes.

Times among the women were also comparatively slow with Adams pipping Lynn Patchett (5:26.5) by four seconds. Anna Eatherley was the third fastest qualifier in 5:30.8.

A mild surprise in the under-18 boys division saw defending champion Tyler Butterfield (4:57.1) overtaken on the final lap by rival Jeremiah Smith (5:56.4).

And their showdown in January along with Aaron Williams (4:57.7), who was second last year, and Richard Walcott (4:58.8) promises to be one of the Front Street highlights.

Jennifer Young led the under-18 girls qualifiers in 5:56.1 ahead of Shar-dae Whitter (6:00.6) and Tiffany Eatherley (6:10.1).

In a field of 69 under-12 boys, Tyler Abbott led the way in 5:46.9 followed by Terence Dill (5.54.2) and Robert Tucker (5.55.1). Danielle Watson was the fastest of the 51 under-12 girls, romping home in 5:57.4, ahead of Flora Duffy (6:01.4) and Deneka Borden (6:13.2).

Masters runner Michael Scythes, making his Bermuda race debut, caused an upset in yesterday's 7.1 mile Round the Sound road race when he blew away the field to finish first overall in 41:49.

Anna Eatherley led home the women in 50:18 to place sixth overall in a disappointing field of just 28 runners.

Full results, see Scoreboard.

MARATHON MAR