Following victory in the Front Street Elite Mile back in January, the Englishman was always favourite to take the honours again, even over the longer distance.

What wasn't so predictable, however, was the manner in which he was chased all the way home by former May 24 Derby champion Kavin Smith, making a return to the local road racing scene.

Smith, who cited home-building commitments as reason for his prolonged absence, proved that he's lost little of his old form as he toured the tough International 10K route in an impressive 33 minutes, 13 seconds -- compared to Freary's 32.45.

It was fast enough to break the recent dominance of Brett Forgesson -- winner of the last three road races -- who had to settle for third some 33 seconds back.

Tracy Wright (34.44) and Neil De St. Croix (34.50) rounded out the top five in a field which attracted most of the top local runners, all perhaps with an eye on the $1,000 bonus put up for any male or female who could break the Bermuda 10K records. But, as it turned out, John Beeden's 31.24 and Sandra Mewett's mark of 35.17 were never seriously threatened.

Jennifer Fisher did, however, stretch her unbeaten streak to 21 in all races with another dazzling performance -- her last before leaving for the Pan-Am Games.

Fisher clocked 37.14 to place 12th overall in a field of more than 140. Julia Hawley's meteoric rise continued with a second place finish in 39.36 while record-holder Mewett was third female and first Master with a time of 39.57.

Harry Patchett (35.32) pipped Rod Allen (36.00) for the men's Masters title while Geoff Bell led home the vets (50 and over) in 40.57. Christine DeSilva was top woman in that category in 61.50.

Junior (19 and under) winners were Richard Watlington (43.06) and Laura Turner (44.17).

Paul Freary.