Winning has become synonymous with Kavin Smith, and so it is that once again organisers can already place the order for the runner's name to be engraved on the Marathon Derby trophy.

Last year saw Smith break the tape in one hour, nine minutes, 36 seconds, eclipsing his own record and tying Ed Sherlock for most victories at six. And it would seem that next Thursday will once again see the Island's premier distance runner in a race against his shadow.

But while winning still brings great satisfaction, Smith admitted that he was somewhat bothered by the absence of challenges other than those placed upon himself.

"That's a big fate that I'm facing, because, while I don't think boring is the right word, it's not totally a competition,'' said Smith. "I feel that the competition needs to be built up more or to build themselves.

"I think it affects people that I win all the time, but my winning is only through hard training and work. I don't think I'm that much better than anybody else, but perhaps that I train harder or maybe not.

"What I do know is that I put my work in for the competition and it works out more often than not. But it does take a lot of sting out of the event when people have the attitude of `well, who's coming second'.'' Asked if his presence at the starting line had the effect of planting doubt in the minds of the competition, Smith agreed, but hearkened those seeking to mount a challenge to think more in a positive vane.

"I think it's a seed that's sown, and I believe that if you don't believe, have faith in yourself to win then it must have an effect and this definitely works to my advantage,'' added Smith. "If you think that you can't win then you've already lost.

"That's why if you ask the other athletes the question I would hope they would respond positively and be positive in their thinking. But the whole set-up in Bermuda's different, competitive wise anyway.'' Smith has not been the constant presence in local road races this year and conceded that his preparation had been nowhere near to that of a year ago, when he was training with an eye towards qualifying for the Sydney Olympic Games.

Some have intimated that Smith might even be vulnerable, that the likes of a Jay Donawa or Tracy Wright might be able to sneak in and pip the champ. Smith does have the pair in the back of his mind, but remains confident of beating both.

"These are guys I'm thinking about now every time I run. Jay, Tracy and the unknown person that might be out there ... I don't count them out at all,'' said Smith, a devout Christian. "I set a game plan in my mind to overcome the effects of negative thoughts. In Bermuda it comes off as me being cocky or whatever, but I've set a game plan and run the race in my mind when I'm running, and if I'm talking that's the attitude that's going to project.

"You have to be steadfast in your mind to follow your plan and believe.

"I'm looking to have a good run and hope these guys provide a challenge and everybody will bring their best to the line, don't look at it as a feud or whatever. I'm going to put my best foot forward and may the best man win on the day.

"I run and don't look back.'' Smith firmly believes that he is running for a much higher calling, with his devotion to Christ first and foremost.

"It's a supernatural thing and I believe that, while I may be here in the flesh, and mine is getting old, my strength comes from a higher force and it has to work,'' explained Smith. "Some people may look at it as a psyche thing, but that's based on individual belief, I'm looking to give God some glory that day one way or the other.

"Maybe He will step in and I go out and smash the record and then I'm left just as dumbfounded as everybody else. Maybe it's his will that I come forth so that something else might be achieved.

"I would just like for the country to look on and see some Christ in me, that people might find room to reconcile and come home.'' Kavin Smith: Red-hot favourite for a record-breaking seventh Marathon Derby victory.