warnings yesterday with impressive victories in the annual Maple Leaf 10K, starting and finishing at Dockyard.

Wright, a former May 24 Derby winner, proved he's in the kind of shape to repeat as champion as he galloped to a convincing win in 33 minutes, 15 seconds -- his nearest rival, Canadian visitor David House following 24 seconds later with third placed Jamal Hart finishing in 34:49.

Christie, meanwhile, not only won the Masters (over 40) division but also the overall title, claiming the scalp of Derby favourite Lynn Patchett along the way.

Christie clocked her fastest 10K in more than two years, finishing in 39:46 to smash her own Masters course record by more than a minute. Patchett, the early race leader, had to settle for second in 40:28 with Alison Cameron taking third in 42:17.

Masters runners also made a good showing in the men's division with Ronue Cann claiming fourth overall in 35:06, followed in fifth by Sylvester Jean-Pierre (35:27), and in seventh by Harry Patchett (36:38).

This trio along with the likes of Van Doyling, Jim Butterfield and a host of other top over-40-year-olds will likely make this year's Marathon Derby masters division one of the most competitive ever.

In the vets division (over 50) yesterday, Geoff Bell led the way in 40:21 while Calvert Lee was the top junior in 37:56.

Next Sunday sees the Regiment five miler while the Derby, Bermuda's most popular race, is this year set for the public holiday on Monday, May 25.

Entries close this Friday.