fourth trip to the Bermuda International Marathon.

Yesterday, the 33-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, claimed her third straight crown in conditions she described simply as "awful.'' But Erickson managed to block out the elements -- and a blazing start by Lyudmilla Korchagina -- en route to a time of 2:44.13, the fastest clocking since Sally Eastall's record 2:42.47 in 1990.

And afterwards Erickson was overjoyed at erasing the negative vibes that had raced through her blood like the bitter wind off the North shore.

"I wanted it so bad but I knew I wasn't going to get it. I was so depressed just thinking that I was going to let everyone down.'' In addition to worrying about Korchagina, Valentina Santalova and Hungarian Eva Nagy, Erickson was alarmed by the unexpected presence of Ann Boyd, merely a US Olympian and owner of a 2:38 personal best.

Erickson's fears turned into smiles, however, when Korchagina went out like a rocket and was on a pace to shatter Eastall's record by the halfway point.

Big mistake, Erickson figured.

"I know this course; I know what to expect,'' she said.

At 17 miles, she overtook a fatigued Korchagina, who shortly afterwards dropped out. At 23 miles, she was pelted by a brief hailstorm. And at 26.2 miles crossed the line with an ear to ear grin.

Boyd was second among women with a 2:49.15 clocking, good for 11th overall.

Among Bermuda's entries, Jane Christie ended Kim Mason's three-year reign of top local woman's champion by taking 24th spot in 3:13.03.