More than 100 runners are expected to battle it out on one of Bermuda's swiftest road race courses this Sunday when the Cornerstone Development Group-sponsored 10-mile road race gets underway from the Botanical Gardens.

Reigning champion Albert (Jay) Donawa has indicated his intention to defend the David Saul Trophy he won in last year's event, which was the third time he had claimed victory in the race.

It is a mostly flat out-and-back course along South Road to the Mid Ocean Golf Club and back with the only uphill test comes with McGall's Hill and the less steep return to St. Mark's Parish Church before the route sweeps back down to the Botanical Gardens.

Race director Mike McCallum said: "It's a fairly flat course and it is quite a beautiful part of the Island, it goes down past John Smith's Bay and out to the golf course and back."

Another attraction is its position in the athletics calendar coming as a useful tune-up for those preparing for the May 24 Marathon Derby.

It is expected that around 120 athletes will take part in the race, which starts at 9.30 a.m. There will be a prize draw afterwards with travel vouchers and other goodies on offer.

For the first Bermuda resident winners the trophies are the David Saul Trophy for the first man and the Mid Atlantic Athletic club Trophy for the first woman. Last year's top Bermuda resident woman was Alison Harvey.

The event has been held every year since 1981 and is organised by the Mid Atlantic Athletic Club. Race entries will be accepted up to Friday at 5 p.m. at Sportseller in Washington Mall. Late entries on the morning of the race can also be made at an increased fee.