Kavin Smith and Jennifer Fisher carry the burden of favouritism into tomorrow's annual Marathon Derby.

But in a race in which history has had a habit of turning the form book upside down, neither will take for granted what has become the most cherished victory in local road racing.

Fisher, in particular, will find herself running into the unknown.

Although unbeaten on the roads -- and in cross-country and track -- for the last year, her raw speed will need to be supplemented with a heavy dose of endurance if she's to survive the 13.3 mile challenge with her record intact.

Tomorrow's race will mark the first time the 35-year-old mother has tackled this event, or for that matter any race over 10 miles.

And while nobody can doubt her ability following a year in which she has almost toyed with her road racing rivals, on her own admission the Derby represents uncharted territory.

Should she misjudge her pace over a course on which the hills and humidity invariably take their toll, the likes of Maria Conroy Haydon, Karen Adams and Julia Hawley are likely to be lurking in her wake.

Smith, meanwhile, has "been there, done that.'' He stole the show in 1993, setting a new course record in 1:11.27, skipped the event last year, and has returned to action in 1995 with five straight victories on the road.

A question mark, however, remains over his long distance fitness now compared to two years ago and should he take aim at his own record, he'll be acutely aware that he could pay the price over the final strength-sapping miles.

But at a press conference yesterday the Somerset resident appeared supremely confident, hinting that his record would be in jeopardy.

Asked what time he hoped to clock, Smith said: "I would say that I'm looking at somewhere around 1:05 as the ultimate I would shoot for, but more likely somwhere around 1:09.'' And as for being tagged as favourite, Smith was unfazed. "It's hard for me to feel pressure now,'' he added. "I've been racing for 20 years and have been pretty successful in all the races I've run, so it's hard for me to really feel pressure at all.

"The toughest aspect of May 24 for me is reaching the goals my coach and I have set. It's always a possibility for someone to beat me, but the goals set are more important and the most difficult to reach.'' Of his potential rivals, Smith said: "Everyone's a threat, they've all been training to be able to beat someone else and win.

"There are thoughts of Tracy (Wright) and Brett (Forgesson) in particular.

Those are the guys that keep me on my toes and my main ammo against them is my own training.'' Earlier he conceded his build-up hadn't been ideal, having run less miles than during his preparation two years ago.

"As far as May 24 is concerned, I've only been back running since January 29, which is not a lot of time.

"But I've changed my form quite a bit and I'm looking at being more efficient with my strides. I've had time to do what I wanted and it should be a good race.

"My fitness this year compared to the record year when I won it... well, I was more likely fitter then. But right now I feel good, feel quick and I'm running the same times that I did before with a lot less effort.

"I'm running around five minute miles which is where I would want to be and I feel I'm getting close as far as my mental conditioning is concerned.'' Defending champion Forgesson, conceding his own form isn't as sharp as it was a year ago, gives Smith a clear edge while former winner Tracy Wright also admits his training hasn't been as intense as in previous years.

"To tell you the truth I'm definitely not in the best of shape. I'm just going through the stages where I am feeling myself out,'' said Wright.

"I'm sort of tired in a way. I should really take a break but I'm going to run for the fun of it.

"I'm not ready for Kavin, but I want to see him in the race. It would be good for me to go with him for the first couple of miles just to get myself out there in the early stages.'' May 24 contenders, however, traditionally play down their own chances while secretly harbouring visions of victory.

And while Smith has all the credentials -- speed, endurance, determination and race savvy -- like Fisher he'll be aware that too fast an early pace could have dire consequences.

Forgesson and Wright appear to be his closest rivals, although Kevin Tucker who stuck with Forgesson for much of last year's race before finishing second, and top triathlete Neil de Ste. Croix can't be overlooked.

Another dark horse could be student Ben Dyer who is returning from Elmore University in Atlanta. He clocked an impressive 1:15 to finish fifth in his last appearance in this race in 1993 and is capable of another impressive finish.

Although the open category is generally considered the most prestigious, perhaps the most competitive division in this year's race will be the men's Masters (over-40) which has an entry of over 90, many of whom regularly finish local road races in the top ten.

In fact, as many as half of tomorrow's top ten finishers could come from the Masters division.

Schoolteacher Harry Patchett, a model of consistency from 5K through to full marathon, has shown no signs of slowing down despite having turned 47, and he along with Rod Allen, first local in January's International Marathon, are expected to be the main contenders.

But perennial favourites Jim Butterfield, Leon Matthews and "Flying Scot'' Mike Whalley won't be far behind.

With eight-time overall winner and defending women's champion Sandra Mewett entered but reportedly pulling out because of health problems, the female Masters division should belong to Jane Christie who won this race back in 1983.

Seven-time overall winner and another top Master, Debbie Butterfield has not entered.

In the senior (over 50) categories, lawyer Geoff Bell will be favourite among the men and Peggy Couper among the women.

Film footage of this year's race will be shot from a low-flying helicopter, the organisers of which have apologised in advance for any inconvenience caused to residents along the route.

FAVOURITES -- Jennifer Fisher and Kavin Smith will have the spotlight on them tomorrow since both runners are considered the cream of this year's Derby crop.