The 23rd Annual Labour Day Road Race gets the running season under way with defending champion Lamont Marshall in no mood to part with his title.

Marshall has confirmed he will be pounding the road in Monday's curtain-raiser and believes another accolade is within his grasp after tirelessly training to get into prime shape.

However, the 23-year-old revealed his older brother Larry, winner of the May 24 Half-Marathon Derby, has chosen not to compete — although he is in training.

Organised by Swan's Running Club, and sanctioned by the Bermuda Track and Field Association, the race route starts and finishes at Bernard Park, via Marsh Folly Road, Cedar Avenue, Dundonald Street, King Street, Front Street, Pitts Bay Road, Cox's Hill, North Shore, Black Watch Pass and Marsh Folly Road.

Marshall, from Devonshire, believes his main rivals will be cross-country king Jay Donawa, Kavin Smith and Chayce Smith, should they compete.

"I've been running this particular race for the last three or four years and won it for the first time last year," said Marshall. "Hopefully I can repeat that feat on Monday — that's certainly my aim. I'm not sure what the weather will be like; usually it's pretty tough with high humidity.

"After I finished third in the May 24 race I took about five weeks off, but I've been training ever since and I'm feeling confident."

This season Marshall, who graduated from Bermuda College recently, is looking to compete in road and cross-country races in Bermuda as well as track meets in the US.

"I've an interesting event coming up at the end of next month," said Marshall. "I'll be racing in the Fifth Avenue Mile, New York, in the elite category.

"In 2005 I won the open category so I've sort of been promoted to the elite class — I'm really looking forward to that."

"The cross-country season is about two or three weeks away and I'm also looking to participate in a few races as they help build your strength up.

"I'm hoping to gradually improve this year and eventually venture out to competing in different meets abroad."

Prizes in the Labour Day Race will be awarded to the overall male and female winners, second and third in open, masters, senior masters, veterans and juniors. The overall male and female walkers will also be honoured.

Race numbers will be issued and late entries accepted on race day at Bernard Park, Pembroke, between 7.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.

Athletes must be Bermuda Track and Field Association registered to compete. One race temporary registration fee registration fee is an additional $20. All athletes under 12 should fill out a BTFA registration form, however no registration fee is due.