year when the 12th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Regional Cross-Country Championships return to Bermuda after an absence of just over 10 years.

Bermuda Track and Field president Stanley Douglas confirmed yesterday that Belmont, whose hotel will also be hosting the overseas participants for the February 12 event, had been chosen from a list of four courses.

The golf courses in Bermuda are perfect for cross-country because they are undulating,'' said Douglas. "They are going to be running in the rough but it is perfect for a fast course.

"We have made a commitment to Belmont and the manager of the course that will not take away from the members' ability to play golf.

"We anticipate, through good organisation, that it would be one-and-a-half to two hours maximum. One of the other courses we thought of was St. George's which has a few hills that would really challenge you.'' The last time Bermuda hosted the CAC Cross-Country Championships was in the early 1980s when it was run over the Ocean View course with Robert Crawford field used for the finish.

"It's the first regional international competition that we've had here in at least 10 years,'' said Douglas. "This is an IAAF recognised event and we're looking to do a good job.

"We're still seeking some additional sponsorship to complement the funds we will put into it so that we can house and give the sort of presentation that Bermuda is known for.'' So far five countries have confirmed, so there is a minimum of 60-plus athletes, male and female, who are already certain to be participating.

Confirmed are defending (men and women's) champions Mexico as well as Puerto Rico. They are the top two teams in the region in cross-country while also already pencilled in are Jamaica, the Bahamas and the Netherland Antilles.

"We should get another five teams, we're looking for a minimum of 10 teams,'' Douglas disclosed. "There are 32 countries that make up the CAC region. Last year in the Bahamas there were 10 countries (participating).

"It should be good,'' an optimistic Douglas said. "Someone from the region will be coming up in January to assist us and assure that we're meeting IAAF standards.'' The local cross-country series, the Federal Express/Continental Airlines Senior Cross-Country Series, will wind up on Saturday morning with the national championships at Ferry Reach (9.00).

The series has been dominated by Tracy Wright in the men's division and Jennifer Fisher in the women's division and the two are seen as key members of the Bermuda team which will include six men and four women.

The BTFA is aiming to pick its strongest possible teams and are looking toward Kavin Smith, Mike Watson, Terrence Armstrong, Jay Donawa, Winton Woodley and Harry Patchett in the men and Fisher, Donna Watson and Julia Hawley among the women.

Last year the women's team, which included Fisher, Watson and Anna Eatherley, made history by becoming the first local team to win a medal at the event. The men's team of Smith, Wright, Kevin Tucker and Jamal Hart just missed out with a fourth place showing.

"We've identified individuals already and have sent out letters inviting them to be a part of a training squad,'' Douglas disclosed.

Smith, though the leading cross-country runner a year ago, has been inactive for most of this year and it is not known if he intends to accept the invitation.

"He's got until next week to respond and should respond at either the national championships by being there or by calling us by getting in touch with the secretary.

"What we're doing, because it is a home event, is we're inviting people to join the squad -- eight or so men and up to six women -- to train together.

It's a team event so it's a point event so coming first is not everything, it's a matter of how your team fares.

"We have also invited them to participate this weekend in the national championships and from that point on we will begin to work with the people in order to bring them together as a team and bring some balance to our approach to competing at this level.'' Two of the women's team from last year will miss this weekend's national championships, Watson is off the Island while Eatherley has also been inactive.

"We hope to have a good showing because we're at home,'' said Douglas. "The last time we held the event Jennifer Fisher was the women's winner so our hope is to have a quality showing and if that can happen it will be good for us.'' The distance for the men will be 12K (7.2 miles) and the women will use a 5K course (roughly three miles).

"It will be on the outskirts of the course and we're trying to use the entire course,'' Douglas explained. "The first part of the race will cover the first nine holes.'' PAST AND PRESENT CHAMPS -- Tracy Wright (left) has moved to the head of the pack in the cross-country series while Kavin Smith has faded into the background. Will they be team-mates in the CAC Cross-Country Championships in February?