accomplishments -- one was winning the women's title for the first time and the other was qualifying for the CAC Track and Field Championships in Cali, Colombia, later this summer.

Second a year ago, Eatherley this time took full advantage of 1992 winner Sandra Mewett's absence because of an injury and romped home in 1:21:51, beating last year's winning time of 1:23:27.

Eatherley, who was 21st overall, has made steady progress in the race after placing fifth in her first attempt. She followed that up by placings of fourth, third and second before capping it off with a sterling performance yesterday.

"I've served a long apprenticeship,'' she said after her triumph. "I was trying to qualify for CAC, so it is a real bonus.'' When Eatherley passed eventual second-place finisher Maria Conroy Haydon at Palm Reefs Hotel on Harbour Road, there was no looking back. She had virtually sealed things up for herself and left Conroy Haydon, who came home in 1:22:56, in her wake.

Conroy Haydon, tipped by many to win the race, conceded that there was nothing she could do once Eatherley raced past her.

"I didn't see Anna until we reached Palm Reefs when she overtook me. She held a 30-second lead for a while and then seemed to have gotten stronger,'' said Conroy Haydon.

"When she went by I felt I couldn't have gone any faster. On the day she was just a better runner. She was certainly stronger than I was at the hills.'' Eatherley's performance also received roaring praise from husband Brett Forgesson, who finished third in the men's division.

"I was very surprised with her performance,'' said Forgesson. "She pulled it off at the right time. The race was perfect for her.'' Eatherley said that she kept Conroy Haydon in her sights and then made her move only when she thought the time was appropriate.

"I was about nine seconds behind her most of the way, but I didn't want to pass her too early. I hung behind her until just past eight miles,'' said the winner.

The other pre-race favourite, Karen Adams, disappointly never figured in the women's race and was third in 1:26:30, 43rd overall.

ANNA EATHERLEY -- Women's winner in 1:21:58.