next Tuesday's big race.

The Island's top road runner has been noticeably absent from events in the past few weeks though he did participate in the End-to-End relay on Sunday as a member of the Back to Basics team.

"I can't confirm anything right now, I'm definitely still undecided,'' said Smith when contacted yesterday.

It had been rumoured that Smith had become disillusioned with road running lately, a year after breaking Tony Ryan's 1988 Marathon Derby record of 1:11.48 by 21 seconds.

Mark Perry, who was second behind Smith last year, has raced little since that race because of knee problems and will not participate next week.

If Smith also opts out it would deplete the quality of the field, leaving the likes of Brett Forgesson, third last year, Tracy Wright, fourth, and former winner Errol Cormack as the favourites.

Terrence Armstrong, currently at school overseas, isn't expected to return for the Derby.

Another likely no-show is Forgesson's wife, Anna Eatherley, who won the women's division last year when she was 21st overall in 1:21.58. She has been missing from road races lately and isn't expected on the start line.

A question mark hangs over the fitness of former winner Sandra Mewett, whose absence would likely result in a two-horse race for women's honours between Maria Conroy Hayden and Karen Adams.

Once again the race will start at 9.30 on Main Road, Somerset and wind its way over approximately 13.2 miles along Middle Road, Harbour Road, Front Street and eventually into Bernard Park.

Organisers have warned that runners without numbers, or those wearing numbers not properly fitted so as to be clearly visible, will not be allowed to enter the finish line chute at Bernard Park. Participants must run on the left side of the road as far as Burnt House Hill, and thereafter "as conditions permit''.

Changing facilities will be available at both the start and finish of the race.

Race numbers will be issued at the Devonshire Recreation Club on Friday (5.30-7.30 p.m.) and Saturday between 3.00 and 6.30 p.m. and all runners must be registered with the BTFA before race numbers are issued.

The awards ceremony will take place on June 4 at the Leopards Club, starting at 6.30 p.m.

Kavin Smith.