A last-minute pot of cash for the winners and the return of an overseas-based athlete have combined to make this year's Marathon Derby an even more intriguing prospect.

As 460 competitors count down to Monday morning's Somerset-to-National Sports Centre trek, news that businessman Freddie Thomas is donating more than $1500 in cash and prizes will certainly heighten interest in the quest for honours.

Also, the presence of one of Bermuda's ace distance runners - Terrance Armstrong - in the 9.30 a.m. line-up means defending champion, Kavin Smith, and his perennial nemesis, Jay Donawa, may not have the going all their own way through Southampton, Warwick, Paget, into Hamilton and finally onto the National Sports Centre.

Armstrong, now living in Washington DC, has apparently not competed in this event in about a decade and will no doubt be pressing to take Smith's title as will Donawa who has placed second for the last four years. Smith is eyeing a ninth straight victory.

Others expected to give a strong account of themselves include Larry Marshall Jr, Brett Forgesson, Sheldon Thompson, Sylvester Jean-Pierre and Ricky Sousa. The last two are tipped to fight it out for the Masters' (over-40) crown which Jean-Pierre is defending.

If ever the runners needed incentive to put their best showing forward, Thomas is providing it - offering $500 for the overall champion and the same amount for the top woman. The latter battle is expected to be contested between current champion, Lynn Patchett, and four-time winner, Anna Eatherley.

In addition, the chief executive of Four Star Pizza and Village Grill restaurants is also putting up $250 each for the male and female winners of the Masters (over-40) division and vouchers for various other competitors.

Thomas agreed with some athletes' sentiments that "the time has come" for prizes to be awarded for the Marathon Derby given its importance to the community.

"I can understand what these fellows are saying because I was involved in sports. They are absolutely right. They make the race exciting and people should put together and contribute. The time for training and the pain you go through . . . the time has come that we have to look at the cost factor for runners.

"I am hoping my $1500 will be a start and possibly next year other businesses can accumulate some other funds or contributions for the athletes - maybe like dinners at restaurants and other things.

"It doesn't have to be money but people can contribute depending on what their business does," said the former boxing champion who also plans to make presentations to other competitors like the oldest and youngest runners.

This year will be the second time that athletes are using the new course which concludes at the Frog Lane stadium.

Prior to the Marathon Derby, cyclists will rule the roads in the annual Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race, starting at 9 a.m. in Somerset and finishing on Cedar Avenue in the city.

There will definitely be a new champion in that as three-time winner Kris Hedges is not competing, having remained in the USA for his graduation.

Also absent is last year's runner-up and triathlete stand-out, Tyler Butterfield.

The void has left Jean-Nicolas Bertrand, Matthew Herring, Jason Krupp and Karl Outerbridge as some of those being tipped for success, while veteran Jeff Payne, a former Marathon derby champion and now in his 60s, could also have a say in the final outcome.