In-form distance runner Jay Donawa will be gunning for a fifth consecutive and eighth overall Bermuda Track and Field Association National Cross-Country Championship at Astwood Park this morning.

After destroying the field in last Sunday?s BTFA Fall Half-Marathon, Donawa will be heavily favoured to extend his remarkable unbeaten win streak in men?s open division.

?I feel pretty good going into the race and it will be special to win a fifth consecutive crown,? said Donawa.

?Cross-country is really my discipline and first for me on my agenda. It?s always been a passion of mine and so Saturday will be no different.

?Over the years I have enjoyed quite a bit of success in local cross-country and I probably could count on a couple of fingers how many times I?ve actually lost cross-country races in Bermuda.?

Last year saw Donawa beat out May 24 Derby champion Terrance Armstrong, who isn?t expected in today?s field.

However, should Kavin Smith, coming off two superb performances in the marathon ? in Chicago and New York ? decide to run then Donawa could find himself with stiff competition.

?I will be looking to defend my title,?continued Donawa. ?And if I can go out there and run up to my fitness level, then I should be in position to do well.?

Victoria Fiddick, Janie Kelly and Rachel Rothwell are expected to make the running in the women?s open division, although Anna Eatherley would be a hot favourite should she decide to enter.

The race in the men?s seniors category could be a two-man battle between Mike Whalley and Mike Osborn ? both currently tied in the BTFA running series championship ? in what will be a winner-take-all scenario.

The eventual winner will clinch both titles ? although veteran runner Harry Patchett could throw a spanner in the works should he decide to race.

The battle for the senior women?s division could also be close between Midge Oliver and Edwina Arorash.

Junior divisions will also be decided in today?s championships, which get underway at 9 a.m.