inclusion of at least two top overseas runners, expected on the Island to prepare for this year's International Race Weekend.

Englishman Paul Freary, first across the line in the 1993 Princess race, appears likely to return for another shot at the title and an as yet unnamed American based collegian has also expressed interest in competing.

Freary, second to Michal Bartoszak of Poland in last year's Elite Mile, defeated Bermuda's Kavin Smith during the '93 Princess race, clocking 36 minutes, eight seconds over the 7.2 mile course.

If he does decide to enter he would stand as the obvious favourite, although a few locals would like to think they still had a chance.

One thing that would likely be assured is a faster race than in 1994 when Smith won in a time of 38:32 and was nearly a full minute ahead of second place finisher Brett Forgesson.

"It'll be a better race than last year,'' assured race director Newton Adcock yesterday. "The addition of the overseas runners will make it more competitive.

"They usually help to draw the local runners along a little faster.'' Also here to add excitement to the event is Terrance Armstrong, who has returned from Rider College and stated himself in a recent interview as "fit and ready''.

Adcock was hopeful Armstrong would run well along with other regular members of the local running scene, Forgesson, Tracy Wright and Errol Cormack, who announced his return from a protracted injury hiatus with a victory in the Elbow Beach Half Marathon.

Among the women there are the familiar faces of Karen Adams, Maria Conroy-Haydon and Sandra Mewett which should make for an intriguing battle.

Mewett, after losing some enthusiasm for the sport, has had a reversal of attitude since winning an ultra-marathon while in New Zealand last month which could spell trouble for the rest of the females.

Over 150 runners are expected in the event which starts at 9.30 a.m. from The Princess in Hamilton and travels via Harbour Road and Middle Road before finishing at Whaler Inn.

Entries close at 5 p.m. today, with late entries accepted at a cost of $15 up until 15 minutes prior to the start. Entry forms are available at The Sportseller, The Pro Shop and New Winner's Edge.

A number of draw prizes are being offered and changes include two water stops on the route and larger, more visible mile markers.