is to add a junior event to its 2001 edition.

Now in its 24th year, the 7.2 mile race which takes runners from the Hamilton Princess to the Southampton Princess, finishing with a gruelling climb over the Princess hill, will supplement that event with a three kilometre race for kids.

Both races are scheduled for Sunday, January 7.

The new event will feature three age groups -- eight to 10, 11 and 12, and 13 to 15 -- starting at the Heron Bay Market Place on Middle Road and finishing at the Whaler Inn, as does the main race.

Other new features this year include a barbecue/brunch immediately after the race at the Whaler Inn (cost $10) and a Saturday night stay at the Southampton hotel for just $67 per person.

Entry forms for both junior and senior races will be available soon in local sports shops.

KIRKLAND THIRD SLG Kirkland third Young Bermuda sailor Zan Kirkland finished a creditable third in the US National High School Championships in the Laser class.

Kirkland, sailing under the banner of Tabor Academy of Marion, Massachusetts, sailed one of a fleet of 16 boats representing all regions of the US.

He battled through eight races on a lake just outside Seattle last weekend with winds ranging between 15 and 25 knots.

"I was pleased to end up third, but I know I could improve on that,'' said Kirkland. "I sailed smart and fast upwind in the shifty conditions and had a very good performance.

"There were a number of races where I was winning and I had some bad luck.

One race I capsized when winning, I was shocked but I didn't give up.

"In the first race I rounded first and went to the wrong side of the course going downwind. A puff came in on the other side and I ended up last. That just shows how competitive the racing was.''