While International Race Weekend is still over a month away, spectators can get a preview of what's to come in the form of the Bank of Butterfield Mile qualifying trials this weekend.

More than 400 hopefuls have so far signed up for the qualifying heats and organiser Bob Oliver predicted exciting times at the National Stadium for those that choose to attend.

"I would certainly encourage spectators to get out there as things are kept moving and it will be quite an entertaining event,'' said Oliver yesterday.

Included are many of the Island's top distance runners of all ages, including men's and women's defending champions Jamal Hart and Jennifer Fisher.

Hart blazed home along Front Street in four minutes, 36.1 seconds less than a year ago to turn the tables on 1994 winner Neil Halliday, producing a late surge to extinguish the competition.

At the end veteran Halliday conceded to his more youthful opponent, but vowed a return and is also registered for this weekend.

Another contender is Steve Burgess, a former top middle distance runner who has been spotted putting in serious work on the roads lately. In the past Burgess has acted as the `rabbit' for those competing in the elite division, but he's now focusing his energies on the competition featuring locals.

For Fisher, Anna Eatherley would appear to be her chief threat, but there remains some doubt as to whether the latter is close to her old form following a lengthy lay-off.

Fisher cruised home easily in January to hold on to her title, clocking 5:02.8, fending off a challenge from Karen Adams (5:16.6). It is not known whether Adams will take part in the trials as she has been bothered by injury.

New champions are guaranteed among the Primary and Secondary Divisions as the previous holders have either moved on to other categories or are not competing.

Secondary school winners Michael Donawa (4:39.6) and Laura Turner (5:38.5) both have finished high school, just as reigning Primary champs Nasir Wade (5:29.1) and Akilah Mills (6:20.5) have moved on.

Sitting in the favourites' chair for the older girls are Elisha Miller and Patrina Swan, while Stephen Fahy, Garon Wilkinson and Damon Ming appear the ones to watch on the boys' side.

Sheri Minors and Tiffany Eatherley are expected to emerge as the top contenders among the Primary girls, while Shane Morrissey and Ryan Swan are seen in a similar light on the male side.

Twenty runners will qualify in each division based on time rather than placement. And as such winning a heat doesn't guarantee a place in the main event. Oliver has therefore stressed the importance of participants pushing all the way to the finish.

Saturday has action beginning at 1 p.m. with the Primary girls heats, while similarly on Sunday the Primary girls take to the track first at 10 a.m. All participants are asked to be at National Stadium at least half an hour prior to the start.

The Bank of Butterfield Mile takes place on January 12.

JAMAL HART -- defending men's Mile champion