officials had to double check before confirming the new mark.

Duffy knocked more than four seconds off the 5:38.5 record set by Laura Turner in 1995, crossing the line in 5:34.28.

However, when the results were initially released her time was recorded as 5:50. But after a quick check of the figures by race line officials, Duffy was able to celebrate her feat.

The Warwick Academy student finished ahead of Shar-Dae Whitter of Cedarbridge (5:44.16) and fellow Warwick student Ashley Robinson-Roberts (5:46.96).

Speaking afterwards Duffy said: "I set out to place. I wanted to break the record but I didn't really know I was going to. It was really good because there was no wind and it was perfect conditions.

"My race went just as I planned because I planned on the last 400 to pick it up a little and that's what I did.'' Asked what she thought of breaking the record, Duffy, whose ambition is to make the Olympics, said: "It's really cool because I have the Under-12 record and now this record and I'm still really young.'' In the boys' event, Richard Walcott successfully defended the title he won last year.

The Bermuda College student broke the tape in 4:44.09, five seconds ahead of Mark Morrison, who now attends Millfield School in England (4:49.42) and Henry Talbot of Saltus (4:49.69) who had a duel to the finish line.

"The first 400 was a little bit too slow,'' said Walcott. "I wanted to go for a fast time because the conditions were good.'' Walcott, who moves to the adult race next year, said he picked up the pace after the first half, opening his stride after the Longtail before outkicking Morrison.

Tucker top junior again From Page 15 In the boys Under-12 race, Kor-Von Tucker saw off the challenges of Justin Collis and Dennis Martin to hold on to the title he won last year.

Tucker, of Spice Valley, finished in 5:33.70, with Collis of Saltus in 5:47.35 and Sandys' Martin crossing the line in 5:54.02.

In the girls' race Purvis Primary schoolgirl Shellicia McKenzie finished at the head of the field in 6:09.27, with Harrington Sound's Deanne Lightbourne in second in 6:17.28 and Charlene Grant of Prospect third in 6:24.31.