Derby as the hottest favourites in years.

Even their closest rivals are predicting that the pair will be virtually unchallenged as they bid to repeat their success of a year ago on the gruelling 13.3 mile course from Somerset to Bernard Park.

While the improvement in form of Julia Hawley, the unexpected return of eight-time champion Sandra Mewett and the presence of seven-time winner Debbie Butterfield as well as fellow master Jane Christie will make for an interesting women's division, all four are likely to be chasing second place with Adams out on her own.

And it's expected to be the same at the front of the field with Smith's closest rivals Jay Donawa (should he run), Tracy Wright, Brett Forgesson and Kevin Tucker jockeying for the runners-up spot.

Forgesson, winner in 1995 and third behind Smith and Mike Watson last year, admitted as much earlier this week.

"He (Smith) can compete with the likes of myself, Tracy Wright and all of the other top runners even when he's not at peak fitness,'' said Forgesson. "When he's fit, he's going to be a handful for anybody.'' And the bad news for Forgesson and company is that Smith has, indeed, declared himself fully fit and raring to go.

The champion was in buoyant mood this week, and while not predicting victory, he made no secret of the fact that his rivals would have to be at their very best to deny him a second successive crown.

Smith, however, ruled out any thoughts of a course record, noting his aim was simply to win in whatever time was necessary.

"I'm just aiming to win. Whatever the time it takes to win, I will go out and try to do it.

"I just hope it's not hot and I hope the humidity is down. I have trained just as hard as I have done in previous years, really pushing myself.'' Smith, however, says he has no incentive to chase his own record of 1.11.27, set in 1993, and would be content to win close to last year's time of 1.13.02.

That, however, could change if the likes of either Wright, Forgesson, Tucker, Donawa or Watson are in close pursuit by the time Smith reaches Front Street.

But as late as yesterday there was still no word on whether Donawa or Watson, who led the field during the early stages last year, would be on the starting line.

Watson is notorious for avoiding any media hype and simply turning up on the day unannounced, while Donawa's coach, Gerry Swan, has indicated he would rather his runner concentrate on the track in preparation for next month's CAC track and field championships in Puerto Rico than run the Marathon Derby.

The pair may have caused Smith some concern last year when they jockeyed for the lead for the first five miles, but ultimately were overwhelmed by the torrid pace.

Donawa, running the event for the first time in seven years, admitted that his lack of experience over the distance contributed to his downfall. "I went out and the pace kind of betrayed me in a way. Kavin, Mike, Brett's experience and age proved to be a factor against me,'' said the then 23-year-old.

He added: "Fourth place isn't bad, all these guys have 6-10 years on me and it's only going to get better.'' At 34, women's champion Adams is showing no signs of slowing down, and like Smith, picks her races carefully, having not competed locally since winning the Evian 10 miler in March.

While Hawley, who has performed well in triathlons this year, should be her closest challenger, she would have to show a huge improvement on recent years when she has failed to break the one hour, 30 minute barrier.

Adams coasted home last year in 1:28.07, a full four minutes ahead of Christie (1:32.09).

Little has been heard of Mewett since her departure from the Island over a year ago, but a road accident which resulted in hospital treatment earlier this week won't have helped her chances.

Another multiple winner, Debbie Butterfield, admitted she would not be competitive enough to challenge the leader.

Three junior athletes -- Tyler Butterfield, Nuri Latham and Jonathan Herring -- will compete in both Monday's Heritage Day cycling race and the inaugural Junior Classic road race.

The trio will finish the cycle race on Cedar Avenue and then dash back to the Cenotaph on Front Street for the start of the two mile run at 9.40 a.m.

The road race, organised by West End Athletic Club, is open to youths aged between nine and 15. Full entry list, see Scoreboard.