more than a month with the Pure Water 10-K on Sunday.

The last race in the series was the North Shore 10-K on March 27, formerly known as the Evian 10-K, which was highlighted by Brett Forgesson's victory in 52 minutes and 55 seconds.

Forgesson is pencilled in to compete in Sunday's event, considered by many to be a critical tune-up for the Marathon Derby on May 24. The New Zealander finished second last year (32:41) to Kavin Smith, who captured first place in 32:33.

Organisers are still uncertain whether Smith will answer the starter's pistol on Sunday, but anticipate a tight showdown in the women's division between Maria Conroy Hayden, who won last year in 37:08 and was eighth overall, and Karen Adams, who has been a major force this year.

Anna Eatherley, second a year ago in 37:43, is taking a break from running and will not compete.

Organisers are hopeful that Tracy Wright and Kevin Tucker will provide competition for Forgesson.

Also expected to compete are at least two runners who recorded personal bests during the recent Boston Marathon.

Masters runner Harry Patchett, who broke the tape in 2:55:32 at Boston, was one of the early entrants, while Roddy Bassett, who finished the prestigious race in 3:14:05, is also expected to run.

Lynn Kynoch, who has returned to England because of her schooling, will not be competing. Kynoch also established a personal best mark (3:02:25) in Boston.

The race will begin outside of National Sports Club and venture east along Middle Road to Flatts Village. It will then veer to North Shore Road to Commissioner's Hill and west along Palmetto Road, south on Frog Lane and Montpelier Road, returning to Nationals along Middle Road.

Deadline for entries is 5 p.m. tomorrow and must be submitted to either the Pure Water head office on North Shore Road, the New Winners Edge or Sportseller. Late entries will be accepted on Sunday from from 8 a.m. to 8.30 a.m.

Race organiser Jon Hateley said that all finishers will receive a Cool-Max running vest.