One of the leading names in women's distance running - Tegla Laroupe - will be the star attraction at next week's International Race Weekend.

The former winner of the London, Lausanne, New York, Berlin, Rome and Rotterdam marathons will compete in the Bermuda International 10K next Saturday morning and be the guest speaker at a social gathering later that evening.

Chairperson and Elite Athlete Liaison Judy Simmons noted that the 29-year-old Kenyan's participation would enhance the growing prestige and credibility of Bermuda's annual athletics showpiece in international circles.

"Tegla has accomplished much though she stands five feet, two inches and weighs a mere 88 pounds. Over her athletics career she posted the (then) world's best marathon time in 1999 of 2:20.43 and has captured world records in the 25,000 and 20,000 metres with times of 1:27.05 and 1:05.26 respectively.

"She is a world-class athlete with an outstanding career and we are pleased she is coming to Bermuda. Having such elite athletes adds integrity to our meet and hopefully will encourage other elite athletes to come," said Simmons at a press conference yesterday, noting that organisers are still being bombarded with requests from runners seeking invitations to the event.

Apart from Laroupe, Race Weekend has attracted all except one of last year's winners (both men and women) to defend their respective titles in the Invitational Mile, the International 10K, the International Marathon and the International Half Marathon.

Only Canada's Andrea Grove, who won the women's 10K, has declined an invitation to compete because of illness.

Contrary to TV and radio reports, Simmons confirmed that Kenyan Leonard Mucheru - the reigning Invitational Mile champion and record-holder - will contest that race again. She said he was determined to break the four-minute barrier which he barely missed last year when he set a new top mark of 4:02.6.

However, Mucheru's work will be cut out for him as he will have American Christian Hesch (second last year) plus at least four runners with sub four-minute miles in hot pursuit of his title - not to forget the $10,000 bonus for anyone breaking four minutes!

Among those scheduled to compete are James Thie of the UK (3:56.9 in 2002), Somalia's Sharif Karie (3:59.6), American Clay Schwabe (3:59.43) and Charles Mulinga of Zambia (3:54). Brent Purin of Canada (4:04) and top Bermudian miler Terrance Armstrong are also among the elite field.

The women's segment of the International Marathon also promises to be a thriller with current record-holder Elena Makolova of Belarus aiming to lower her mark of 2:40.32 while holding off a stiff challenge from Russia's Zinaida Semenova. Having clocked 2:31.09 in the New York Marathon, the latter should be confident coming to Bermuda.

Another personality to watch will be El Afoui Boubker of Morocco who won the International Marathon here in 2000. He has recently bounced back from injury, recording 2:16.58 in a marathon last year.

Despite the big names, Simmons confirmed entry numbers had dropped with 805 runners registered overall thus far.

"This is partly due to the economic downturn in the United States where there are many people who would love to come and compete here but they are out of work.

"When we were at the New York Marathon many people visited our booth and indicated they would be unable to participate because they are now unemployed," said the athletics official, adding that the event remains "well supported" locally.