reel in defending champion Anna Eatherley in tomorrow's Marathon Derby.

A year after trailing Eatherley over the finish line by some eight minutes, Patchett reckons that while she might not win she can at least narrow the gap.

"My fitness is better than it has been in previous years, but obviously throughout the running season I've still been coming second to Anna and I really don't foresee overtaking her,'' she said.

"But I feel that I can be a lot closer.

"Then on the day there are other previous winners who may show up for the race. Somebody that has won before could surprise us both ... I know that Maria Conroy Haydon and Karen Adams like this race, and if they're fit, who knows ..'' Regardless of the outcome, Patchett -- wife of the Island's leading veteran runner, Harry Patchett -- says she looks forward to the event, noting that the heat and humidity combined with a tough course always offer a challenge and often bring out the best in local runners.

"May 24th is always a challenge, it's obviously a long, hot, gruelling and humid race but everybody tends to enjoy it,'' she said.

Patchett says her own goal will be to run a personal best.

That means beating a time of one hour and 27 minutes, set five years ago.

Eatherley won in 1:24.48 last year while second-placed Patchett clocked 1:33.09.

"I really do hope to do better than my previous best,'' she said.

"I have my own race plan in my mind and I am going to stick to that and whatever happens will happen. I have no other intentions other than sticking to my own plan and staying focused with that.'' While many view Burnt House Hill as the most difficult part of the course, Patchett believes it comes further down the stretch after Darrell's Wharf.

"I say just near Bamboo Gate after passing the old Inverurie (hotel), there is that long incline and it certainly catches you at that part of the race when you either have it together or you start to falter a bit.'' By then Patchett will be hoping Eatherley's still in her sights.

The race has witnessed only seven different female winners since Merenette Bean-Simmons -- sister of of five time champion Cal Bean -- became the first women's champion in 1976.

Bean-Simmons triumphed twice, Debbie Butterfield won seven times and record holder Sandra Mewett was victorious on eight occasions.

The other champions, besides Eatherley, were Jane Christie (twice), Karen Adams (twice) and Maria Conroy Haydon.

Lynn Patchett: Hoping to challenge favourite Anna Eatherley.