Jay Donawa will be hunting his eighth straight title this Sunday as the Fairmont to Fairmont Road Race celebrates its 30th anniversary with an expected 300-plus turnout.

The traditional curtain-raiser to the road running season has been virtually owned by the middle-distance expert since he first entered one of the Island?s longest-running races in 2000.

And with no niggling injuries to speak of and an evident determination to make 2007 a victory-strewn year, Donawa is once again the overwhelming favourite ? especially with the likes of Kavin Smith and the Marshall brothers, Lamont and Larry, not having entered the 7.2 mile race as of yet.

?I love everything about the Princess race and it is always an event that I pinpoint on my calendar,? said the fireman, who spent the Christmas holidays juggling family commitments along with his arduous training schedule.

?Things have been going very well for me as far as training is concerned. I feel great and my times have been good so hopefully I can kick off the year with another win.?

Over the last few years, the former track specialist has gradually been tailoring his training towards the longer distances, and currently lists the half-marathon as his preference.

In September and November last year, Donawa raced two separate halfs in Philadelphia ? finishing in the impressive times of just over one hour, ten minutes on both occasions.

The 34-year-old was also crowned national cross-country champion once again in 2006 and has been invited by the Bermuda Track and Field Association to represent the Island along with Larry Marshall at one of the Americas region?s top cross-country meets in March.

?Things have been going very well for me recently,? admitted Donawa, who missed out on another shot at breaking Terrance Armstrong?s recent stranglehold on the May 24 title after rolling his ankle the day before Bermuda?s signature race.

?I was very happy with my times in Philly and I really enjoyed the challenge of the cross-country series. I?m planning to run overseas quite a bit this year, though my plans are not quite finalised just yet.

?At the moment, I intend to run both the 10K and half-marathon over International Race Weekend, depending on how my body recovers after Sunday and obviously May 24 is always in the back of my mind.

?Right now though I?m just focusing on the Princess race and making sure I put in a good performance.?

In the women?s event, meanwhile, Swede Victoria Fiddick returns to defend the title she won last year after finishing 20th overall in a time of 47 minutes and 29 seconds ? over two minutes ahead of nearest rival Rosa Peichoto.

However, the decision of young international triathlon star Flora Duffy to enter the race before returning to school in the UK will probably see the rest of the women?s field fighting for second place.

While her ability in the water and on the bike is improving dramatically with every month that passes, at present it is the run which remains the 19-year-old?s strongest suit, and over fast, short distances there is probably nobody in Bermuda who can match her.

She proved as much during the Crimestoppers 5K in October when she beat Ashley Couper with a scintillating performance, finishing in a fast 17 minutes and 34 seconds.

Other leading locals, such as Anna Eatherley, Lynn Patchett and May 24 winner Dawn Richardson, have not yet signed up to compete.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the race?s 30th anniversary, organisers are encouraging all those who ran in the first Princess to Princess in 1978 to turn out.

Already confirmed are former Premier David Saul and Rosemary Jones ? with quite a few more expected to sign up as the race draws nearer.