the worst.

Two weeks ago, after a night of wind and rain, organisers decided to postpone the popular event just two hours before the race.

Now with the approach of Hurricane Lili, expected to move within 475 nautical miles of the Island by Sunday morning, the race committee will meet late Saturday afternoon to determine if the triathlon will go on as scheduled.

One hundred and 16 triathletes will be hovering near their telephones and radios to find out.

The huge field, featuring top competitors such as Neil de Ste Croix, Kavin Smith, Kris Hedges and Shona Palmer, has actually grown in the ten days since the original postponement.

Officials extended the deadline to Wednesday, leading to an additional five entries, including premier cyclist Whayman Butterfield. But the extra ten days wasn't enough to lure former national champion Greg Hopkins or Dominique Arthur, the former US champion from Arizona, who created such a stir during the team event almost three weeks ago.

Three triathletes have dropped out in the interim: Robyn Peck, Brian Peck and Stephen DeSilva.

One difference is the starting time, moved back to 8.30 a.m. The five-kilometre fun walk will take place as originally scheduled at 8 a.m.

Race course distances remain the same: A half-mile swim, 12-mile cycle and three-mile run, all taking place in Hamilton. Albouy's Point is the transition area.