Runners preparing for this year’s May 24 Half Marathon have a good opportunity to test their progress on Sunday in the annual RenaissanceRe 10-mile and 5-mile road races.The popular event along South Road has produced fast times through the years, helped by the relatively straight and mostly flat route. Starting near the Botanical Gardens’ southern entrance and heading out to a turnaround point just after the junction with Paynter’s Road (the five-mile race turnaround point is at Spittal Point), the only sizeable inclines on the 10-mile route come at McGall’s Hill on the way out, and between John Smith’s Bay and St Mark’s Church on the way back to the finish at the Botanical Gardens.Last year’s winner in the 10-mile race was Gideon Kigotho in one hour, two minutes and 27 seconds, with Kristyn Robinson victorious in the women’s race in a time of 1.09.35.Men’s and women’s winners in the five-mile race last year were, respectively, Gary Raynor in 27.52 and Jennifer Alen in 32.19.The main road race starts at 8.30am, with the five-mile race underway five minutes later. First man in the 10-mile race wins the David Saul Trophy, while the leading woman collects the MAAC Trophy.There are age category awards in both races. The event is sponsored by RenaissanceRe and organised by Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club. Entries can be made at Sportseller in Washington Mall and online at www.racedayworld.com. The deadline for entries is Friday, with number pickup on Saturday morning between 10am and noon at Renaissance Re on East Broadway.