last night to become the first repeat winner of the Bank of Butterfield Elite Mile.

The Pole produced a late surge to fend off the challenges of England's Paul Freary and Viacheslav Shabounin of Russia, breaking the tape in four minutes, 10.2 seconds to the rapture of thousands of spectators on hand.

Freary (4:10.8) just nipped Shabounin (4:11) in a photo-finish for second as this year's event produced one of the most exciting endings in several years.

While the times were slow, due to a fierce wind, the entertainment level was high, leaving Bartoszak to savour yet another moment of victory.

"It was very difficult to do a good time in the conditions,'' said Bartoszak.

"I didn't feel very good in the race, with about 400 metres to go the situation was very difficult for me.

"I was behind the English guy and very close to me was the guy from Russia.

This race was tougher (than last year).'' Bartoszak had his hands full, so much so that the absence of American record-holder Joe Falcon was hardly noticed.

Falcon remained in the US because of a medical problem with his daughter.

Also, pulling out was Gerardo Mosquera who picked up a late injury.

Never in jeopardy was the $10,000 bonus for a finishing time of under four minutes as race `rabbit' Steve Burgess took the field out in a moderate pace, running into a strong headwind.

A tactical battle ensued with Bartoszak darting to the front alongside Burgess and fellow local Terrance Armstrong.

Freary and Shabounin were content to stay within earshot of the leading trio, never allowing them to get too far ahead.

After dropping Burgess, Bartoszak crossed the half-mile mark in 2:07, but Freary answered the call as he surged to the front, followed by Shabounin.

Not to be outdone, Bartoszak responded and they ran shoulder-to-shoulder through the three-quarter-mile barrier when Freary made a desperate run for glory.

However, Bartoszak proved strongest as he strode back into the lead and powered home for his second title and the $1,000 winner's cheque. Freary, after some indecision by the announcers was awarded $600 for second, while Shabounin collected $300.

"I think only about first place,'' said Bartoszak. "I could have run a better time, but I'm satisfied with first place.'' Freary, meanwhile was somewhat beside himself for not being able to grab top honours.

Nevertheless, he made a quantum leap from 1993 when he was fifth.

"The first 400 (metres) I really pushed...I thought I had it and he just came back,'' said the Englishman, who along with Shabounin and Bartoszak are contenders in today's ADT Bermuda 10-K.

"I'm a bit disappointed, but I'm delighted (at same time).

"It's a brilliant, brilliant atmosphere and a great race...I love it!.' A surprising fourth was Armstrong in 4:17.8, who outkicked Canadian Dave Reid (4:18.3), while another local Kavin Smith (4:27.2) wound up sixth.

Race director Mike Charles, later declared the evening a resounding success despite the weather and had high praise for the volunteers and main sponsors, the Bank of Butterfield, for its smooth running.

"For one thing I'm relieved,'' said Charles. "Unfortunately the winds were in the way or we would have seen a much better time in the Elite race.

"This is certainly one of the best events -- spectator-wise -- in the Island and I hope we can continue to provide such a quality race.'' CHAMPION AGAIN -- It was slower, but Michal Bartoszak worked harder for this year's title. Viacheslav Shabuinin and Paul Freary battle in the background for second place.