Fresh off Sunday's triumph in the Maple Leaf 10K, Marathon Derby champion Kavin Smith says that he is just going through the motions these days and won't be undergoing any special preparations ahead of next week's premier race.

Having eclipsed Ed Sherlock's long-standing record for the most May 24 Derby wins last year, the Island's top distance runner adds that his only goal for next week's race will be to "just go out and enjoy the atmosphere."

"I only started training on Easter Sunday," said Smith. "But at the moment I feel great.

"I haven't been doing any training in particular . . . just basic stuff for the half-marathon distance. I'm running smart these days, not hard."

Although Smith hasn't competed much on the local scene this year, he says that's not an excuse and that with years of experience under his belt, he should still be competitive on the day. However, he did note that things might be somewhat different to previous years.

"This year is going to be a big difference because I think that I have conceded to my duration of running and some of the things that I have done in the race (May 24)," he added. "My initial goal was always to break Sherlock's record (six wins) and now that I have accomplished that I kind of seemed to have tapered off.

"It doesn't matter per se, whether I win or lose anymore - I guess you can say that it has got to the point where I am running more for fun in a competitive atmosphere, if that is possible."

While Smith beat Sheldon Thompson across the line in Sunday's 10K by two minutes and 38 seconds, he expects a challenge from Jay Donawa next week.

"I know Jay has been training consistently," said Smith. "I don't know whether it has been geared towards the half marathon distance, but I do know that everyone wants to have a good race and I expect him to put in a good showing."

With the race finish now back at the National Sports Centre, having been switched from Bernard Park, Smith said that the change in course over the last couple of miles had its advantages for spectators and competitors alike.

"I think that it is a great course for the spectators," said Smith, "Especially in Hamilton where you get to see everyone twice at one point without having to move. It is also great for the competitors because you get to double back and get a glimpse of your closest rival."

The new course will see runners make a U-turn on Front Street rather than continue up Queen Street onto Church Street as has been the case in past years. Last year Smith comfortably won an unprecedented seventh May 24 title in one hour, 11 minutes and three seconds, while he also holds the distinction of having recorded the fastest time of one hour, nine minutes and 36 seconds.

However, the new course this year means runners will be competing over a slightly different distance.

Meanwhile, since quitting track and field a little over a year ago, Sheldon Thompson has kept a relatively low profile.

But after placing second to Smith last Sunday, Thompson says that despite limiting himself to just three races this season, he will be prepared for next week's big race and is confident of a making a good showing.

Thompson finished eighth in last year's Derby in a time of one hour, 20 minutes and 24 seconds.

"I have only done some minor preparations for this year's race, nothing intense," said Thompson. "But I feel pretty comfortable that I will do well, although I can't really say what's going to happen on the day. Since I quit track and field about a year ago, I haven't competed much on the local scene and I could use a bit more conditioning. But I will definitely be out there giving it a 100 percent so I'm still looking for good things next week.

"Normally I deteriorate after ten miles or so, but I now I think that I can maintain a good pace up until the 12-mile mark.

"I also think that's where my strength lies now that I know that I'm a little stronger and can go the distance."

Thompson's best May 24 finish was fourth in 2000.