rivalled that of a world championship event.

The Mile has become a truly first class international competition since its inception in 1989 when Canada's Dave Lamont became the first winner, clocking 4:12.

This year the focus has been on an impending battle expected between Poland's Michal Bartoszak, the defending champion, and Joe Falcon of the United States, who defeated the former in taking first place honours in 1992.

However, the remaining cast of characters should not be tossed out of hand.

Russian Viacheslav Shabounin, American Gerardo Mosquera, Canada's Dave Reid and Briton Paul Freary have all gone under or near the sub-four minute barrier.

These factors led organiser Peter Lever to state this year's event as having "one of the most impressive fields in terms of quality that we've ever had.'' Add the $10,000 incentive for the first finisher under four minutes and the drama rises further.

The elite competition often takes precedence, but not to be forgotten are the six other mile races, including the Primary and Secondary Schools races.