Sunday, using the same out-and-back route as it has over the past two decades.

The Evian-sponsored event will be without defending champion Jay Donawa, who was advised by a physiotherapist this week not to compete because of a nagging Achilles injury.

However, defending women's champion Anna Eatherley, unbeaten on the roads by her local rivals for some two years, will be in the field as will her husband, former winner Brett Forgesson.

It wasn't known yesterday whether another former champion, Kavin Smith, or Tracy Wright, who won last weekend's Lindo's 10K, would be competing.

The race, beginning at 9.30 a.m. (9.00 for slower runners), takes athletes from South Shore Road near the Botanical Gardens out to Tucker's Town and back.

American Budd Coates holds the course record of 48 minutes, 21 seconds, while the best time by a Bermuda runner is 51.25, clocked by Mike Watson back in 1984. A year later, Sandra Mewett set the women's record of 58.21.

Long-time race director Midge Oliver, who organises the event on behalf of Mid Atlantic Athletic Club, noted that two overseas entries had already been received this year along with those of several locals.

Entry forms are still available at New Winners Edge and Sportseller while late entries will be accepted on the day at an increased fee of $20.