Sports store manager Denis Mayeaux says he will be a "very unhappy man'' if his cash incentive to shatter Marathon Derby records becomes as elusive as the still-to-be-claimed reward for the first man to run a sub-four minute mile in the Bank of Butterfield race.

In fact, Mayeaux would like nothing more than to write two $5,000 cheques on the May 24 holiday, signed to the man who shaves one minute, 19 seconds off Kavin Smith's record of 1:09:49 and the woman who runs 49 seconds faster than Sandra Mewett's best of 1:19.56.

To walk away $5,000 richer the male winner would have to clock 1:08:30 and the female winner 1:19.07. Mayeaux, boss at Sports R Us, thinks the times are within reach of the top runners and says it will not be a one-off cash offer.

"I hope to write a cheque for both on that day,'' said Mayeaux yesterday.

"Realistically it's a big cash donation and we've only given them (the runners) about three weeks' notice, but either way it's a win-win situation for the community. It would give me great pleasure to write a $5,000 cheque for the male and female.'' Mayeaux sees the cash incentive as just the boost the Island's most popular road race needs. He believes his company are helping to take the race and the runners to a new level.

"I really see these times coming down lower and lower,'' said Mayeaux.

"Right now the event is being overshadowed somewhat by the parades but it used to be the highlight event.'' Mayeaux is urging other companies to get on board and do similar things with other sports which would help raise the standard of local competition, especially with the 2000 Olympics fast approaching.

"We're trying to set the pace, we've got a big stadium that's going to come into use soon,'' he stated.

"This really needs the support of the fans and the media to get it rocking.'' Richard Tucker, secretary of the Marathon Derby Committee, also sees the cash incentive as a positive move.

"Over the years there has not been much incentive to run the race so we think it is a tremendous shot in the arm for the race and should build up enthusiasm,'' said the official.

Tucker disclosed that the race was on course for another field of 500, after entries closed last week at 450. The deadline for late entries is tomorrow at noon.

"We anticipate reaching our goal of approaximately 500,'' said Tucker.

"Preparation is going as usual, I just finished a meeting with Police over traffic control which was very satisfactory. We anticipate no difference to last year.'' Tucker confirmed that the rule regarding eligibility will be more stringently enforced this year after a Canadian, David House, who had been on the Island less than the required six months was able to run last year and finish fifth.

That stipulation is now clearly visible on the entry form.

However, the committee will make an exception for one non-Bermuda resident in the case of three-time winner Tony Ryan who has been given permission to compete in the event. Ryan had approached officials requesting permission to paticipate and as a former champion he has been given the green light, though he only wants to use the race as a fun run.

Ryan was struck by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) after his victory in 1989 and is no longer able to run the same fast times.

"We don't do this ordinarily, the ruling is every runner must be a resident at least six months prior to the race, but the committee has made an exception,'' said Tucker.

Runners can pick up race numbers on Friday and Saturday at Devonshire Rec.

from 5.30 on Friday and from 4.30 on Saturday.