in the Pure Water 10-K road race, starting and finishing at National Sports Club (9 a.m.).

Last year's winner, Tracy Wright is set to make an appearance, but only as a race official, as he has been forced to the sidelines through a nagging Achilles tendon injury.

Meanwhile, Mark Perry, the most in-form runner at the moment, has likewise decided to skip the event in favour of rest for an ailing knee.

As usual there is the mystery of whether or not Kavin Smith will answer the starter's gun, which certainly alters the shape of the race either way.

Confirmed, though, is Brett Forgesson and he may well have a field day if Smith joins the other pair on the absentee list.

Left to challenge for honours would be the likes of Gearoid Shanley, Neil de Ste. Croix and Vernon Tankard -- all confirmed -- but none of these would be expected to best Forgesson, who can climb to within six points of Perry with a victory.

A much more intriguing situation exists among the women, as the top four series runners are signed up.

Maria Conroy Haydon has dominated throughout the 1993 season and will want to get back into her winning ways after being forced to drop out of the recent Boston Marathon.

Anxious to take advantage of any slip are Lynn Kynoch, Anna Eatherley and Jane Christie, two, three and four in the standings.

The race route follows that of the ADT Bermuda 10-K with runners racing through Flatts, along North Shore, Palmetto Road and Frog lane, before returning to the club via Middle Road.

MARIA CONROY HAYDON -- Looking to bounce back from Boston Marathon disappointment.