Neither the downturn in tourism nor the terrorism attack that took place in New York and Washington on September 11 appears to have had a negative effect on entries for next month's Bermuda International Race Weekend, the Island's premier road running event.

Both race secretary Pam Shailer and chairman of the race committee Judith Simmons yesterday indicated that there were clear signs that the total number of entries would either match or exceed the 1,331 participants of last January.

"At the moment the numbers are looking good. We were sort of accepting that we would not be as big this year but the picture is looking much brighter now and we still have a month to go," said Shailer.

"For example, we had 373 total entries in the marathon this year and already we have 370 for next month and we still have a month to go, so that total alone for that event will probably be bigger. So it's clear that the downturn in tourism and the terrorism in New York is not having any sort of negative impact."

To date there have been a total of 610 entries and Shailer said she was urging local runners and walkers in particular to get their registration forms in as early as possible and not wait until the last moment as many have done in the past.

Combing through the entry lists of last January, the race secretary noted there were 623 runners in the 10K and charity walk, 335 in the half-marathon and 373 in the marathon.

Simmons, who is dealing with elite entries and much of the overseas correspondence, is also optimistic that the numbers will be impressive this time around.

While unable to give much detail on who had entered to date, she did confirm that some champions would return to defend their titles.

"But I have to admit that we are pleased that a whole lot of requests have been received from elite runners and we have to wait and see what happens with them," she said.

"However, we are disappointed to hear that Courtney Babcock who has won the 10K for three consecutive years has become injured and will not be coming to defend her title. But we still expect a prominent field of athletes."

While the top female Canadian has been sidelined, another Canadian, Rich Tremain, winner of the mile, will be returning to defend his title and marathon champion Fedor Ryzhov of Russia, now based in Portugal, is returning in a bid to repeat.

There has been no news on the status of10K male winner, Mohamed Amyn of Morocco.

The Race Weekend calendar is as follows:

December 28: Bermuda Race Weekend entry deadline. After this date late fees apply. Entries to be made to the BTFA or left at Sportseller (cheques only). Entry forms for the January 10K, half-marathon and marathon are available at sports shops or on the website www.bermudatrtacknfield.com. Information: 236-6086.

January 11: Bermuda International Race Weekend entry deadline.

January 17-18: Bermuda International Race Weekend registration and number pick-up from 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., Harbour Room, No. One Passenger Terminal, Front Street, Hamilton.

January 18: Front Street Mile races.

January 19: Bermuda International Race Weekend 10K and charity walk, starts 10.00 a.m. outside the National Sports Centre, Prospect, Devonshire; 12 noon to 2.00 p.m., late registration and number pick-up for the half marathon and marathon, Harbour Room, No. One Passenger Terminal, Front Street, Hamilton.

January 20: Bermuda International Race Weekend half marathon and marathon. Starts at 8.00 a.m. on Front Street; Awards ceremony at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, 7.00 p.m.