next month's New York Marathon as he coasted to an easy win in yesterday's inaugural BPSA 10K.

Over a new, gruelling course, including several hills, Smith left the field behind as he romped to the finish in 32 minutes, 54 seconds, more than two and a half minutes ahead of South African visitor Dion Middelkoop (35.29).

Jamal Hart took third place in 35.57.

Jane Christie led home the women in 42.32 followed by Anna Eatherley (43.09) and Kim Mason (47.33).

Meanwhile, two other members of Bermuda's large contingent training for the Big Apple Marathon, Hart and Lynn Patchett, turned in outstanding performances at Saturday's senior cross country event -- the second of the current series.

Both won their respective races, but in contrasting fashion.

Hart trailed for much of the men's three-loop 7.5 mile race which took runners from Astwood Park along South Shore over the Warwick dunes and back along Warwick Long Bay, as Middelkoop surged into the lead on the second lap.

But a strong-finishing Hart overtook his rival on the last lap to win in 45 minutes, 28 seconds, some 17 seconds ahead of Middelkoop.

Errol Cormack (47.21) placed third with Andrew Doble (48.23) and Harry Patchett (48.44) taking fourth and fifth respectively.

Patchett's new bride, Lynn, dominated the women's race, winning the two lap event over five miles by more than two minutes.

She finished in 33.53 with Eatherley taking second place in 36.18 and Christie third in 36.23.

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