next week's Marathon Derby, a question marks hangs over the entry of a third prominent female runner, Karen Adams.

Adams has suffered a recurrence of a leg injury that kept her out of the sport for several months a few years ago, and yesterday she was unsure whether she would be able to compete next Tuesday.

"I've had a few problems and I am frustrated at the moment,'' said Adams, who placed third in the women's field during last year's event. "It's the same old thing that keeps recurring at the wrong time.

"I haven't been able to run for a week. I'm at a dead end and don't know where to go and can't say whether I'll be at the starting line.'' First signs of the ailment were revealed a month ago according to Adams. But she continued with her training until the pain became too much too bear.

It is believed the injury stems from a problem in the lower back which sometimes causes the muscles in Adams' upper leg to constrict.

Her last competitive race was the Pure Water 10K on May 1 when she beat Conroy Haydon into second place, clocking 37 minutes, two seconds compared to 37:29 for the latter.

The past week has seen Adams enduring various types of physiotherapy, including massage and stretching of the muscles, but no running.

"It seems to disappear and be fine and then it says `that's it','' continued Adams. "I have to be careful because the muscles can tighten up and cause injuries in other areas.

"The shorter distances may not be so bad, but 13 miles may just be a bit much.

"I am disappointed. I had my heart set and really want to run. I'll leave the decision until the morning.'' Meanwhile, no such afflictions are affecting Conroy Haydon, who now appears an odds on bet to succeed Anna Eatherley -- last year's champion -- as queen of the local roads.

Eatherley has taken a leave of absence from competition and with Adams hurting it would appear that only Mewett stands in the way of Conroy Haydon capturing one of the few titles to elude her grasp.

Still the `champion in waiting' remained modest about her chances.

"I am not as fit as I was last year having just come off (leg) injury so my training has been curtailed a bit,'' Conroy Haydon told The Royal Gazette .

"I have no great expectations or pre-determined time or goal set.'' Tuesday will mark Conroy Haydon's third attempt at the Derby, having placed fifth on her first attempt in 1991 while clocking 1:26.48 before missing the event the following year. She came back strongly in 1993 with a 1:22.56 finishing time for second place.

Mewett, meanwhile, will be seeking to win the event for a record eighth time, having enjoyed her last triumph two years ago. But she admits each time out becomes more of a chore.

Others who could spring a surprise, but are expected to battle for no more than third place are Jane Christie, Julia Hawley and former champion Debbie Butterfield.

Maria Conroy Haydon.