The number of overseas entries in the 2004 Bermuda International Race Weekend has already exceeded this year's total.

So far, 679 foreign competitors have signed up for the weekend athletics showpiece which is an increase over the 547 non-Bermuda residents who ran this year. Runners from the United States, Canada, England and Wales are among those who will be flying in.

North American charity groups make up the vast majority of the overseas entries. The American Stroke Association have 214 entries from nine chapters. The Leukaemia-Lymphoma Society of America have 206 entries from 11 chapters. The Arthritis Society of Canada have 149 entries, and the Why Me Group from Massachusetts have 40 entries.

Additionally, 70 individuals have entered at least one of the four events ? the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K and 10K Charity Walk.

Winner of the 2003 Elite Front Street Invitational Mile, James Thie, has confirmed his defence of the title which he claimed last January and entries continue to pour in for the other races on a daily basis.

The registration deadline for Bermuda residents is Friday, January 2, 2004, but entries will still be accepted up to the day before a particular race but with a late fee.

All Bermuda residents must be members of the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) in order to participate in Race Weekend.