Race, his second victory in as many weeks.

Once again the New Zealand native showed surprising speed, covering the loop course taking in Front and Reid Streets -- shortened to 4.7 miles (five laps) due to road works and the closure of Seon Lane -- in 24 minutes, 46 seconds and sending notice to would-be challengers this year.

Neil de Ste. Croix gave his all in finishing second, but was no match for Forgesson, as shown by his time of 26:47.

Masters runner Harry Patchett, who like fine wine seems to get better with age, was forced into the third spot after running second for the first three laps.

Asked what was the difference between he and Forgesson, the diminutive De Ste.

Croix replied: "About two feet and two minutes.

"Brett is a real runner and a talented runner. I'm a triathlete and train for all three disciplines, while Brett just runs, which makes a difference.

"He's a full-time runner and a talented one at that. I just use the races to stay fit and help in my preparation for triathlons.'' Forgesson led virtually from start to finish and even without the likes of other top runners Tracy Wright, Jamal Hart and Roger Dill -- all of whom competed in the previous day's CAC Cross-Country Championships -- his triumph was impressive.

"I've been doing track work-outs for the last couple of months and I guess a bit of that is starting to show through,'' said Forgesson, known more for his endurance over the longer half-marathon and full marathon distances.

"I want to score points for KPMG Peat Marwick series which offers a trip to Falmouth for the Falmouth Road Race and I would like to qualify for that.'' Forgesson said that he hoped the past two wins were an omen for the rest of the season.

Also in the back of his mind is the May 24 Marathon Derby, of which he is the defending champion.

"I think this year you'll find the field very competitive,'' said Forgesson.

"It'll take a blend of stamina and speed...you can't have one without the other for the race.'' And after showing that he has the stamina, Forgesson is now displaying speed, which won't be a good sign for his rivals.

On the women's side Jennifer Fisher, despite suffering from an upset stomach, ran away with first place honours, being timed in 28:32 -- good for 10th overall.

Fisher, recently embroiled in controversy regarding her non-selection for Bermuda's CAC Cross Country team, easily beat out second place finisher Deborah Sullivan (29:46). Jane Christie was third in 31:36.

As for her performance yesterday, Fisher said that she used it more as a training run in preparation for her participation at next month's Pan American Games in Argentina.

"I'm looking forward to going to the Pan-Ams. I'm hoping to get some overseas races in, because I do need some,'' said Fisher, who has her eye on Florida as one option.

The preceding Round the Town Relay Race witnessed a team calling itself Good, Bad and Ugly (Neil de Ste. Croix, Jeremy Ball and Neil Halliday) winning in 14:17.

Female winners were Somersetters (Julia Hawley, Karen Adams and Jennifer Fisher) in 15:43.