Canadian David House's fifth place finish in Monday's Marathon Derby will be allowed to stand following an investigation by race officials.

The race committee, headed by Richard Tucker, made the decision after discussions yesterday with House, who had feared he could be disqualified.

The architectural technologist, from Thunder Bay, Ontario, became embroiled in controversy when it was discovered that he had broken race rules which require runners to have been resident in Bermuda for a minimum of six months.

House, 38, has only been on the Island since April.

His entry form was pulled from the files soon after the end of the Somerset to Hamilton race and while details on his age, address and home and work telephone numbers had been filled in, there was no section requiring information on his period of residence.

However, he said he had been told there was some rule concerning residency and had tried to clarify the situation with the BTFA before competing.

When he got his race number later, he assumed there was no problem.

Last night he said he was very happy with the outcome, which will allow him to pick up a prize at Sunday's presentation as a top ten finisher.

He said: "I chatted with race officials and the matter has been mutually resolved. It means my position will stand.

"I think I probably put them through a bit of a loop. Maybe my application slipped through the system. I didn't intend to do anything outside the rules and they were just following up on it and making sure they did the proper thing.

"I sort of feel funny that I got all this publicity after coming fifth when there were people more deserving of it -- like those who came second, third and fourth.

"I don't want to put words into anyone's mouth but perhaps next year things will be a little more clear on entry form.'' Tucker, meanwhile, confirmed that the decision of the race committee not to disqualify House had been a unanimous one.

He said the rule on residency had been in place for many years, but the committee was aware it was not clear on the entry form.

"That will be rectified for next year,'' he added.

DAVID HOUSE -- threat of disqualification dismissed.