One of Bermuda's top runners says incentives are needed to inspire athletes, particularly for the May 24 race.

Defending Masters champion Sylvester Jean-Pierre is echoing the lament of eight-time Marathon Derby winner Kavin Smith that there is really no reason to compete other than pride and a love for running.

The 45-year-old, who will be aiming to repeat as the Over-40 champion, noted that athletes sacrificed a lot to ensure an intriguing spectacle for the public and there should be some compensation for the top performers.

So disenchanted is he that he has considered putting up some of his own money to motivate the likes of Smith and Jay Donawa - seen as the leading contenders for the top spot.

“I don't think people understand what the athletes have to go through. Whether you're in the top 10 or down in the back, there's a lot of sacrifices you undertake and it's disappointing when you come to the prize presentation after such a tough race.

“I was telling Jamal (Hart) that I feel like even putting up $500 of my money for the winner because it's hard to come away with almost nothing,” he said.

Jean-Pierre noted that given the schedules of Bermuda's major races - January's International Race Weekend and then May 24th - the Island's top athletes had to train virtually year-round to compete strongly in both events.

“Your training is going back-to-back, from summer for Race Weekend and then after that for May 24. You're getting out of your bed at like 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. to train before work, because a person like me is making 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. to work. We're doing it for the love of it and for the spectators - because everyone comes out to watch this race and expects the athletes to perform and to see the rivalry between the top runners.

“It's okay for everyone to be looking to see Jay Donawa versus Kavin Smith but no-one looks at the sacrifices those guys have make to really excel on that day. I guess the organisers are looking at it that it's just tradition,” said the veteran who placed sixth last year.

“I can understand the frustration and people wanting to give up but then no-one wants to give up without defending their title.”

Noting that in the past Bermudians have seen Mike Watson pushed to the May 24th finish so hard by Terrance Armstrong that the former was dehydrated and taken to hospital, Jean-Pierre questioned whether this level of commitment and exertion was worth the effort.

In his case, he explained, he had to often decide between making extra money at work or competing in many races which are held on weekends.

“I have to think whether it's worth it to give up 12 hours at double (pay) to go and run a race,” said the Elbow Beach employee. “I can't afford to lose that. It's a big sacrifice. My bills still have to be paid.”

In no way does he expect exorbitant prizes but, as he put it, “something to show that you're appreciated” and not necessarily cash.

As for the race itself, Jean-Pierre is ready for a staunch defence of his title and has been “putting in 45 to 50 miles a week”. His main challenger among the Masters is likely to be Ricky Sousa.

“I've prepared myself - not to compete for honours in the top three - but hopefully I'll be up there. I run smart.

“I'm ready. I'm going to defend it to the fullest. I'm not going to give it up just like that.”

Meanwhile, Brett Forgesson is also in the May 24 line-up but the former champion says he “is not in any shape this year” and will be “just be running to get down (to the finish) in one piece”.

He has been training at least three days a week but not doing any hard workouts.

“I just didn't get myself in gear to train for it. I had a few aches and pains and I just haven't been as motivated as years gone by.”