return for the annual road running festival next week -- but without help from the organising Bermuda Track and Field Association.

A regular face among the lead pack in both the Front Street Mile and the International Half-Marathon since 1994, Freary was reportedly told by the BTFA that he couldn't be included among their elite athletes who receive funds for airfare and accommodation as he had finished only second in last year's half-marathon.

However, XL Capital Ltd have now stepped in and will take care of his travel expenses, while XL employee Rosalee Rickards is organising his accommodation and providing living expenses.

Freary won the elite mile in both 1994 and 1995 and was third in 1996. He also won the half-marathon in '96, '97, '98 and '99 and was runner-up a year ago.

After a superb road race season in 2000, the 32-year-old from Bolton is expected to be a factor in both next Saturday's International 10K and the following day's half-marathon.

In the last year he has won the Reykjavik half-marathon in Iceland, the Fiji half-marathon, Jersey half-marathon, Los Angeles Dodger Stadium 5K and the 5,000 metres at the Detroit Track Championships.

Just recently on New Year's Eve, Freary was also triumphant in a 10K held in sub-zero temperatures, winning in 31 minutes, seven seconds.

His best 10K time is 29:25 while he has run 3:56 for the mile, 13:55 for the 5K and 1:04.55 for the half-marathon.

A member of the Belgrave Harriers, he has represented England on the track, in road races and cross-country and was the national half-marathon champion in 1998.

Paul Freary: The England international will be looking to regain his Bermuda Half-Marathon crown after finishing second last year.