The final countdown has begun for the 35th Bermuda International Race Weekend and an urgent call has gone out for anyone who would like to volunteer to help out during the race events on January 16 and 17.

Members of the public are also encouraged to attend a special health and fitness expo which is being held in conjunction with the weekend of road running.

Of prime importance to organisers at the moment is to attract volunteers to assist with the 10K, half marathon and marathon on the Saturday and Sunday. No experience is required and anyone who can help is asked to contact Clarence Smith on 747-0263 or e-mail cmsmithlogic.bm. It is intended to have a very short briefing for volunteers at the National Sports Centre at 5.30 p.m. next Tuesday.

The 35th Bermuda International Race Weekend Health & Fitness Expo will be on Friday, January 15 and January 16 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

Runners, walkers, fitness enthusiasts and anyone interested in their health is invited to attend the free event.

Participants will collect their bib numbers, timing chip and goodie bags at the expo, while also enjoying exhibitors representing a variety of training programmes, equipment, nutritional products, information, supplements, clothing short seminars etc.

The expo will begin on Friday, January 15 between 3.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. and continue on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Harbourview Ballroom at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

Also as part of Race Weekend, the following special presentations will take place at the Fairmont Hamilton.

Thursday, January 14 (6.30 - 8.30 p.m.): US exercise physiologist Dr. Joe Vigil, who has worked with several national, international, professional and Olympic athletes, will be holding a clinic entitled 'Endurance' in the Princess Rooms.

Saturday, January 16 (1 p.m. - 2 p.m.): A hydration and fluid balance clinic is being presented by Dunkleys and the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. Clinician Pedro Reinaldo Garcia, M.Sc (Sports Nutrition), of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, will be guest speaker. This is also being held in the Princess Rooms.

Athletes and administrators from all sports are invited to attend the above mentioned free seminars, which are expected to be informative and helpful in preparation for athletic competition at the local, national and international levels.

l Space is limited. For further information and to confirm your space at these exciting special clinics, please contact Anthony Raynor at athletelogic.bm or BTFAlogic.bm or call 747-0314.