both the men's and women's divisions with the two defending champions unable to participate.

Reigning male champion Mark Perry underwent an operation during the summer and remains sidelined while Karen Adams, who won the women's division with a record time of 28:33 a year ago, is missing because of work commitments.

In addition to having new winners, this year's race may also produce a new Bermuda record if Kavin Smith has anything to do about it.

Smith dominated the racing scene until last Sunday when he was beaten into second place in the Tropicana 10-K by Canadian Graeme Fell, but the local ace still had a fine time of 32:17 and will be a firm favourite should he compete.

The flat course could assist Smith in establishing a new Bermuda record over the distance, beating Jeff Payne's old Bermuda record of 24:59 which was set in the early 1980s. Perry's existing record in the race is 25:36 which was set in the inaugural race three years ago and equaled by him the following year.

Race Director Simon Groves said yesterday that the event was once again attracting a good response from the elite runners and that he expected the field to be in excess of 200 -- similar to that of a year ago.

The main race will start at Watford Bridge and take the runners east to the Maritime Museum and back to the finish line at Somerset Police Club.

The race will be preceded by a fitness walk and a children's 1.6 mile race both of which will start at 9 a.m.

The Bermuda Pacers Track Club are organising the inaugural Telford Electric Mile which will take place today starting at National Stadium.

At least seven races are scheduled in various categories for youngsters between the ages of four and 20 while it is also hoped that an invitational mile can be staged.

The races will be of the cross country variety with competitors venturing through the nearby Arboretum before finishing back at the stadium.

Action gets underway at 1 p.m. with the four to five year-olds (boys and girls) and has further races taking place in half-hour intervals.

Trophies and ribbons will be awarded to the first six finishers.

Late entries will be accepted until 12.30 p.m. and any inquiries should be directed to Jay Tucker (234-0139) or Cal Simons (236-4417)