fighting a cure for leukaemia, will participate in the International Race Weekend marathon on January 14.

They are among a total of close to 400 foreign runners who have indicated a desire to run in the annual race along with some other prominent runners from Europe and Mexico whose entries could be confirmed once sponsorship is obtained.

Lee Tucker, vice president of the Bermuda Track and Field Association, yesterday intimated that the field this year for the four-race weekend series could possibly be one of the best ever, depending on how the public responds to a request for sponsors which would enable some of the established runners from abroad to participate.

"But the mass number of those anticipated to come with the leukaemia group will probably make this one of the biggest list of entries we will have experienced, at least in the marathon,'' said Tucker of the leukaemia group which could number as many as 300.

Many runners are awaiting to confirm their entries, however, one athlete virtually certain of returning to defend his title is Englishman Paul Freary, winner of the Butterfield Front Street Mile in a time of 4.08.5. during his third appearance last year.

It was on Friday that Tucker revealed that top Kenyan runners Simon Kagwe and Joyce Chepchumba we anxious to find sponsors in order to compete in the marathon. Both had top finishes at the New York Marathon last autumn. Kage was fourth in the men's division in two hours, 11 minutes and 42 seconds while Chepchumba was fourth in the women's field in 2:33.51.

Kenyans were featured in the shorter races during Bermuda's International Race Weekend this year, the half marathon and 10k.

John Kiposkei won the half marathon in 1.06.34 and finished fourth in the 10k (30.10) behind England's winner Peter Whitehead (29.02). Kenya's other runner Richard Rono was third in 30.41.

"One thing in our favour this time is that it's Olympic year and many runners are looking at these event as a build-up for their country's qualifying preparations, so it's possible that Bermuda can benefit if sponsorship is raised to bring these people in,'' said Tucker.

"We are indeed encouraged by the interest that they are showing in our races, now hopefully something will materalise to pave the way for their participation.'' Although Bermuda has lost its major sponsor in ADT, the BTFA were still proceeding ahead with normal scheduling plans even though no major sponsor has been found.

Tucker said that they were quite appreciative of the ADT's sponsorship, explaining that they went far beyond their original commitment of three years by adding two additonal years for good measure.

"Nobody can argue with that, they did more than they were committed to and we were quite grateful for their kindness, but now we have to look ahead and try to get another sponsor,'' said Tucker.

While the leukaemia group are not noted runners, their involvement will be a big boost since it is already being well publicised in the United States.

Their participation is now being advertised in the States and pledges are already being made as a result of them running to aid the victims of leukaemia throughout the world.

"Since they are not noted runners provisions have been made for them to start earlier at 7 o'clock, this way they will be well out of the way of the faster runners who will start two hours later,'' said Tucker.

Bermuda's four-race weekend extravaganza begins on Friday, January 12th with the Bank of Butterfield Front Street Mile, followed by the International 10k on the Saturday and both the half marathon and marathon on Sunday, January 14th.

COMING AGAIN-- Paul Freary (centre) plans to return to defend his title in the Bank of Butterfield Mile