elite athletes wanting to compete in next month's International Race Weekend.

And the names of the top runners to be invited are likely to be announced next week.

Prize money on offer for the respective Front Street Mile, International 10K and International Marathon will be the same as last year, said Race Weekend secretary Pam Shailer.

Since the Bank of Butterfield declined to renew their sponsorship deal earlier this year, the BTFA have been unable to find a replacement.

And with the event less than four weeks away, concerns had been expressed whether the prize-money and bonuses could match those offered in recent years.

But backing from the Department of Tourism and Boston-based travel agents Marathon Tours has apparently maintained prize-money at last year's level.

According to the BTFA, interest has been shown from runners in Kenya, Morocco, Russia, Brazil, and Hungary.

As expected, a large number of requests have also come from Canada and the United States.

Meanwhile, already 564 entries have been confirmed -- 340 alone from the US Leukemia-Lymphoma Society. There is a long way to go before the 2001 event attracts the 1,422 competitors who entered this year, but Shailer said entries were pouring in.

"It always amazes me how many people enter the races in the last two days,'' said Shailer, adding that 132 runners entered the 2000 event on the Thursday and Friday before the event.

Deadline for entry for Bermuda residents was last Friday although late entries will be accepted at an increased fee.

Up to January 5, fees will be $40 for the Marathon and $30 for the Half-Marathon and 10K. Late registration for all races after January 5 will cost $50.