One of the Island's longest established road races will return this Sunday as competitors go under starter's orders in the Cornerstone 10-mile race.

The event was created in 1980 by former Premier Dr. David Saul with the aim of providing an opportunity for runners to break his Island record for the 10-mile distance, which he set in the late 1950s, running a time of 52 minutes 53 seconds.

Mike Watson duly broke the long-standing mark when he won the 1982 race, and the event has since seen even faster times recorded in the intervening 28 years as a who's who of Bermuda's best distance runners added their names to the growing list of champions.

Last year saw a record entry of more than 200 compete, covering in a largely flat and scenic course along South Road from the lagoon area south of the Botanical Gardens to a turn around point near Tucker's Town and back again.

Reigning May 24 Derby champion Chris Estwanik and former May 24 women's champ Dawn Richardson were the 2009 winners, and the year before it was the Island's Winter Olympian Tucker Murphy who took top men's honours.

The race, organised by Mid Atlantic Athletic Club, is open to all and is being directed by Mike McCallum and Dawna Ferguson.

McCullum said the race was a good tune-up for those preparing for the May 24 Half Marathon, is relatively flat and has plenty of car parking space in the field adjacent to the start and finish area.

An added attraction is the ability to pick-up race numbers on the morning of the event. However, the deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on Friday with forms to be returned to Sportseller in Washington Mall, or completed online at www.bermudatiming.bm.

All competitors will receive a running cap and there will be a number of spot prizes.

There will be top three prizes in age divisions. The first local man to cross the finish line receives the David Saul Trophy, while the first local women is awarded the MAAC Trophy. Winners of the men's and women's races will receive a travel voucher.

The race is sponsored by Cornerstone Development Group, Lindo's and Butterfield and Vallis, and starts at 9.30 a.m. with an early start also available at 9 a.m.