top marathon runner Kavin Smith out of this Sunday's Mutual Risk Management five miler.

But the injury is not expected to jeopardise his ongoing to bid to qualify for the Sydney Olympics.

Doctors have advised Smith to take a few days off and resume light training next week. His training is geared towards a major international marathon in the near future in order trim off the nine minutes from his personal best -- 2:29 set in Las Vegas last month -- needed to qualify for the Games.

"It's only a slight setback and fortunately he will be able to get back out and continue his training next week,'' said Lee Tucker who is assisting the runner in his build-up to the Olympics.

"I guess everybody was looking forward to a match-up between Kavin and Jay Donawa in Sunday's race. With Jay in good form it would have been very interesting.'' According to Tucker, Smith has no definite plans to enter the Boston Marathon on April 20 but believes he might take part in another US marathon scheduled on May 7 which has been designated as the American Olympic qualifier.

Sunday's five miler, organised by the West End Athletic Club, starts at Watford Bridge at 9.30 a.m. and takes runners to Dockyard and back, finishing at Somerset Police Club. Walkers, competing over the same route, will begin at 9.00 a.m.