Top running couple Chris and Ashley Estwanik will mark another milestone later this year with the arrival of their first baby.

But first they will bid to defend their Fairmont to Fairmont Race men's and women's titles tomorrow when the 32nd edition of the popular 7.2 mile road race gets underway at 9 a.m..

"The good news on the running scene is that Ashley is expecting and we are looking forward to the next stage of life," proud father-to-be Chris told The Royal Gazette.

The couple will be at the start line outside Fairmont Hamilton in what is expected to be a formidable field in each of the divisions.

Chris breezed to victory last year en route to a maiden Fairmont to Fairmont title in a winning time of 36 minutes and 29 seconds – just 21 seconds shy of the all-time record of 36.08 set by David Swanson in 1989.

Commonwealth Games veteran Ashley, now 15 weeks into her pregnacy, was equally as impressive on the way to a second race title in a time of 42 minutes and 40 seconds – roughly a minute outside of the race record held by Sandra Mewett.

But this time Ashley could find her work cut out in a field that contains last year's runner-up Victoria Fiddick and past Bermuda Day Half-Marathon champion Dawn Richardson.

Former Nike Farm Team runner Chris hasn't run competively since last October's Escape to Bermuda Triathlon but is again expected to be in contention for top honours in an entry that could also include the Marshall brothers, Lamont and Larry, as well as Jay Donawa and veteran Kavin Smith.

"I'm not as fit as I was this time last year and from what I have heard Lamont (Marshall) has been running well while his brother (Larry) is also fit again," the reigning Bermuda Day Half-Marathon champion said.

"Kavin (Smith) is also in great shape – the guy never seems to slow down, and then you have Jay Donawa.

"The last race I actually did was the Esacpe to Bermuda Triathlon in mid October and since then I have just been trying to stay active and get ready for upcoming races."

He added: "The Fairmont to Fairmont is one of the best events. It's lots of fun and there is a nice reward (breakfast) at the end. But you have to make it to the top of the hill (Fairmont Southampton) first. But it's definitely one of the bigger races and I think everybody who is healthy will try to be out there.

"I think the Bermuda running scene is going to be even stronger this year. This whole year is going to be exciting, especially during the lead-in to the 100th anniversary of the Bermuda Day Half- Marathon."

Tomorrow will also see some of the Island's top youth runners compete in the junior event from Heron Bay MarketPlace to Fairmont Southampton that begins at 8.30 a.m..

Ryan Furbert, Dage Minors, Justin Ferreira, Izabella Arnold, Gabriella Arnold and Aaliyah Nolan were the big winners in their respective age brackets last year.