best ever, according to the president of the Island's Track and Field Association.

Judith Simmons, also the race director, said she had been inundated with positive comments from the runners that took part in the events over the three days.

"The only thing I can gauge it by is from what the participants have said and that was that it was the best ever,'' she said.

She said although the figures for those taking part had not necessarily risen, the competition had improved considerably.

"Numbers will have been the same as they have been previously, but the depth and quality of the field has been better than it has been in previous years,'' Simmons said.

Simmons said there had been pats on the back for the BTFA.

"They were also very pleased with the organisation they said it was first class and would love to come back next year,'' she said.

The president said it was too early to say whether there would be any changes to next year's format, but a post mortem would be held in the coming week or so.

"Right now we are gathering information. I just came from the police briefing and they were very pleased with everything that had gone on,'' she said.

"There were no incidents reported and everyone was co-operative. I would say it was an excellent weekend of running, the athletes were happy with the competition they had, everyone was happy with the weather and everyone seemed to enjoy the change from Number Six passenger terminal to Number One because it was much bigger and had better toilet facilities,'' Simmons added.

"They liked the fact there were a number of Bermudians on the route, standing outside their houses who offered them oranges and different things, some of them told tales of people that stopped to use their bathrooms along the way.

"So it was really a community effort and I have to thank the people of Bermuda for their support and encouragement.''