Reigning champion Jay Donawa will start his quest for an eighth-consecutive title when the cross-country series springs into action this weekend.

Athletes will once again be competing for points with senior and junior titles up for grabs, with 34-year-old Donawa, citing the Marshall brothers, Larry and Lamont, as his main challengers.

The Bermuda Track and Field Association is also looking to send a national team to the IAAF World Cross County Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland, next March. Selection will require participation in the KPMG cross-country series.

Last year around 80 runners competed in the cross-country races and organisers are expecting those numbers to climb this year, especially with the addition of two cross-country races.

West End Athletic Club is hosting the first cross-country event of the new campaign at Chaplin Bay Warwick, starting at 8.30 a.m. Registration and number pick-up will begin from 8 a.m. The top three runners in junior and senior races will receive medals at all events.

Future races in the cross-country series will be held at Astwood Park on October 6, Spittal Pond on October 20, Botanical Gardens on November 3 and the Arboretum on November 17.

The BTFA National Cross Country Championships will be held at the Botanical Gardens on December 1.

Runners and spectators are being encouraged to participate this season. Runners keen to participate and spectators are welcome at all races.

Anyone interested in volunteering this season should call 296-0951 or e-mail btfa@logic.bm.