A pre-International Race Weekend showdown between Bermuda?s top distance runners, Jay Donawa and Kavin Smith, won?t take place at this Sunday?s annual Princess to Princess event.

While defending champion Donawa has confirmed his entry for the popular 7.2 mile road race, which starts at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess and finishes at the Whaler Inn below the Fairmont Southampton Hotel, Smith has again declined to enter.

Instead, Smith, a former winner who didn?t compete last year, will save his energy for the following week?s International Marathon.

Donawa, aiming for his sixth straight Princess victory, is expected to compete in next weekend?s International 10K and Half Marathon.

Like Donawea, many of the Island?s leading runners, including defending women?s champion Anna Eatherley, will use this Sunday?s race as a warm-up for the following weekend?s events.

The route this year will revert to its original course over the gruelling Southampton Princess Hill, having been diverted last year over Lighthouse Hill following damage inflicted by Hurricane Fabian.

Deadline for entries is today at 5 p.m with entry forms available at local sports shops.