place in the Bank of Butterfield Front Street Mile finals on January 15.

With the National Stadium track still undergoing repairs, this year's trials have been switched to Saltus field, starting today at 1.00 p.m. and continuing tomorrow at the same time.

In total, almost 30 races will be held to determine qualifiers in three different age groups for boys, girls, men and women.

Neither Kavin Smith nor Jay Donawa, the Island's top two distance runners, had entered as of yesterday, but defending senior men's champion David Dunwoody, although injured, has registered as has former winner Jamal Hart and perennial contender Sheldon Thompson.

Dunwoody suffered an ankle ligament injury during a hockey game but was still hoping to compete today.

Among the women, defending senior champion Karen Adams will again be out but faces some stiff competition from Anna Eatherley and Lynn Patchett, both of whom defeated her in last week's half marathon, although all three should qualify comfortably.

Defending under-18 boys champion Tyler Butterfield should easily book his place in the final, but there's likely to be closer competition among the under-18 girls between the likes of Patrina Swan, Shar-dae Whitter and Ashley Robinson Roberts.

Flora Duffy will be favourite to lead the under-12 girls while Tyler Abbott, Coyatito Smith and Chayce Smith will be among the leading under-12 boys' contenders.

Organiser Bob Oliver said yesterday he expected a number of interesting heats, with some particularly tough competition among the under-18 girls.

KAREN ADAMS -- defending her mile title.