Tokio Millenium Sprint Triathlon champion Tyler Butterfield insists two-time defending champion Chris Eswanik remains thee favourite to win next week's May 24 Marathan Derby.

With only one week to go before the start gun of the 13.1 mile race, Butterfield claimed Estwanik will be the man to beat when the runners take off.

Estwanik, a former US track star, completed the course last year nearly four minutes ahead of second-placed Butterfield.

The Ohio-born runner exploded off the start line in Somerset and for the first mile, which he covered in a pulsating four minutes and 25 seconds, was shadowed by triathlete Butterfield.

But once Estwanik turned on the after burners heading over Scaur Hill, the race effectively ended as a contest as the former Team Nike Farm runner paced himself to victory in one hour, nine minutes and 17 seconds.

"I believe Chris will be the strong favourite but you never know until the day and Lamont (Marshall) will also be in contention," said Butterfield.

"Last year I ran with Chris for the first mile or so and given his running history he is more known for his short distance running, which in previous years has played into his hands.

"My tactics were to follow him but after the first few miles I fell off the pace, and this year I don't believe this will be the best strategy after seeing what happened last year.

"No matter what happens in the race, he will be the favourite.

"It may be that because he is a shorter distance runner, he wants to get out and set the tone and get a gap so he can monitor himself, so I may sit back and try to pick him up towards the middle.

"But the downside to that is that he is an excellent finisher of a race and will outkick anyone if it comes down to a sprint.

"I won't say I don't have a chance, but I know that it will all have to play itself out in my favour and I will have to run a smart race."

But Butterfield said that he is in better shape this year.

"I am a lot fitter than last year because last year I took a mid-year break. Last year I raced in January, February and March and then took a break. This year I have raced in March and April and I am not taking a break until June and it will be a short break at that."

Since arriving back in Bermuda, Butterfield has not had much of a chance to go out and train with Eswanik. "I run with him every once and a while but the hard thing during this trip is that he runs a lot at lunch time and I have been doing a lot of swimming."

But no matter what the May 24 Half Marathon Derby has a special place in Butterfield's heart.

"It is a great and fun race. I am glad I have been able to come back for it. it is the only half marathon that I do that is not part of a triathlon. I also love it because it's usually hot and humid and the support is fantastic. There is always a great turnout. I think it is a great race because of the crowds cheering you on, that is why so many people take part in it.

"The race has so much history behind it."

Another runner who the triathlon star backs to have an outside chance is Lamont Marshall, who has been training with Estwanik.

Marshall produced a good performance at the recently completed Penn Relays, while also competing in a 1500 metre race in New York city were he ran a time of four minutes and two seconds for the metric mile.

He also came second in the Fairmont to Fairmont for the second year running to Estwanik and will also be primed and ready for the derby.

While acknowledging the front runners, Butterfield also mentioned Jay Donawa as an unlikely player on the day.

"Obviously Lamont is also in the hunt seeing how he is running right now and is in fantastic touch.

"Not only us three but also Jay Donawa who is also coming into his own at the moment, so it will be a great race.

"There are a lot of factors that can determine who is where throughout the race, from the heat to the wind on Harbour Road and things like this, but you can only run the race and use the strategy you have gone in with.

"It 's hard to change your strategy in the middle of the race when you have already tried to apply your initial tactics because you can hurt yourself in thinking of a new solution."

n Any local runners who missed the Friday deadline will have to enter, paying an increased fee, at number pick-up at the offices of sponsors Argus Insurance on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..