Marathon, scheduled for November 23.

Island Press, who have taken over the financial backing from British American, will present $1,000 to any local runner who can break Kavin Smith's half marathon national record of 1:09.10 set earlier this year in the Marathon Derby.

A similar $1,000 pay-out awaits the first local female who breaks Anna Eatherley's mark of 1:21.08.

And even if none of the winners break those records, they will be consoled by American Airlines round-trip air tickets to anywhere in the continental United States, Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.

Second place finishers will get their grocery bill lightened with a $250 shopping voucher.

This year's 13.1 mile race will start at the top of Barracks Hill in St.

George's and take the runners along Wilkinson Avenue, Harrington Sound, Devil's Hole through Flatts to North Shore Road and through Blackwatch Pass to the finish line outside Island Press on Elliott Street.

The race will be used as the BTFA's National Half Marathon Championships.

Senior and junior cross country action continues on Saturday over a new course at Fort Scaur in Sandys. The races, organised by Bermuda Pacers Track Club, begin at 9.00 a.m. with events in five age categories.