Kavin Smith and Karen Adams were the 1997 winners, Smith leading home the 150-plus field in 38.33, more than two minutes ahead of Kevin Tucker, while Adams won the women's division in 45.29.

However, it wasn't clear yesterday whether either athlete would defend their title.

Smith has recently suffered injury problems and, despite leading home the Island's contingent at November's New York Marathon, rarely competed in the latter half of the year.

In Smith's absence, the men's favourite would likely be Jay Donawa, runaway winner of the recent national cross country championships, with Tucker, Brett Forgesson, Tracy Wright and Errol Cormack his closest challengers.

The 7.2 mile race starts at the Hamilton Princess Hotel at 9.30 a.m. and takes the runners to the Southampton Princess via Front Street, Harbour Road and Middle Road, finishing at the Whaler Inn.

Entry forms, available at Sportseller, the New Winners Edge and the Pro Shop, must be returned to one of those locations no later than 5.00 p.m. on Friday.

Race numbers can be collected at the start area from 8.15 a.m. on Sunday.