pave the way for the crowning of a new women's champion.

Two expected to challenge for the mantle are Anna Eatherley and Karen Adams, but each are mindful of Maria Conroy-Haydon, who has dominated the local scene this year and currently leads the KPMG Peat Marwick National Road Running Series.

There were strong reports that eight time winner, Mewett, was back in training and would be on the starting line for the annual spectacle, but yesterday she adamantly denied this was the case.

"If anybody is saying I am running then they are wrong,'' said Mewett, who recently broke her left wrist in a freak cycling accident.

"I am running a bit, but not doing a whole lot, I wish I could. If I could run the marathon I would. But I just cannot do it...I definitely will not be running this year.'' While Mewett's absence means a new champion will emerge, there is also an atmosphere of uncertainty with no clear cut favourite.

Eatherley, second last year, said she expects the competition to be quite keen, predicting that Karen Adams and Kavin Smith would win the respective women's and men's crowns.

"I think I have a lot of competition, namely Karen and Maria.

"I would say that (Adams) is the favourite. She only comes out when she's fit and ready to win.'' Despite playing down her own chances, Eatherley should feature prominently in the race and the final outcome.

Like most others she has been forced to play second fiddle to Conroy-Haydon this year, but feels she is running well at the moment and hopes to better or at least equal last year's time of one hour, 27 minutes and 18 seconds.

"I feel that I'm peaking at the right time and just want Monday to come,'' said Eatherley. "I'm not going to go out aggressively, but will try to be competitive. It's a long distance for me.'' The race will serve a dual purpose for Eatherley, as besides looking for a top placing, she is also hopeful of attaining the qualifying standard for the CAC Games over the half marathon distance (13.1 miles).

At her best Adams is arguably the most feared force amongst the women on the road running scene. Her powerful running style and an unerring determination and will to win make her a definite threat.

A painful back ailment forced her to curtail activities in the past year and Adams said she was on the verge of quitting the sport altogether. Even this year she has been restricted to just a handful of events.

"I'm just hoping to reach the end,'' Adams said jokingly. "I don't have a plan in any race and don't set myself any particular time or position. It's one of those races most people want to be a part of.''