Bermuda's top junior runners are expected to be out in force this weekend for the IAS Park 5 Flat K Race, at Boaz Island.

The race, which is scheduled to get underway at 9 a.m. on Sunday, is the fourth event in the 2003 KPMG Junior Running Series and the last road race of the Series.

According to Series co-ordinator Charlie Duffy, competition will be fierce.

"We have seen some very talented new runners emerge from this year's Series and Sunday's races may well determine who will take home overall Series honours," he said.

So far young phenom Tre Simons has been impossible to beat in the eight to ten age category - in fact he normally beats all 11-12 runners to - but Winton Woodley and Adonai Laws have been steadily improving, as has young Peter Merritt.

In the girls eight to ten age category, Series leader Chelsea Lines has her work cut out for her as up and coming stars Shannon Cann and Rebecca Heyliger each aim for a second first place finish.

In the boys 11-12 category newcomer Naki Wells may take home his third, first place win if he can once again outpace young Andrew Lake.

While in the girl's 11-12 race, accomplished swimmer Ashley Berry may be at the bottom of the age category but she is currently at the top of the standings ahead of more familiar names in junior running circles like Danlia Martin.

In the boys 13 to 15 age category Taijuan Talbot is odds on favourite for a fourth consecutive win and to "threepeat" as Series champion. The real battle may be for second place, as Kor-Von Tucker continues his battle against triathletes Dominique Nanette and Coyatito Smith.

In the older girls age division, Front Street Mile champ Flora Duffy, despite continuing injury problems, should clinch series victory ahead of Tiara Simmons and Dannielle Farrington.

The final competition in the five race series will be on the track at The National Stadium, March 15.

At the conclusion of the Series, sponsors, KPMG will award prizes to the top five runners in each age category.