Derby. But she insists she stands little chance of winning the event.

Arthroscopic surgery to repair a damaged left knee in March has severely curtailed Mewett's training for the race. In fact, she says she's only been able to run on the roads over the last two weeks.

Part of Mewett's cartilage was removed and other loose particles in the knee cleared out in the operation.

And yesterday she all but conceded the race to Maria Conroy Haydon, who is already inserted as the favourite to capture the title based on recent form.

"Absolutely! I know Maria has been injured, but far and away she has the edge and she's a distance runner anyway,'' said Mewett, who missed last year's race after suffering an arm injury while training for the event.

"I'm not going to be competitive. ..two weeks training just doesn't do it.

"I'm just happy to be there. Last year I missed it and hated not being a part of it.'' Mewett thus joins the list of "casualties'', with defending champion Anna Eatherley taking a break from the road running scene, and another possible contender Karen Adams doubtful because of a recurring back injury.

A fit Adams would likely give Conroy Haydon "a run for her money'' according to Mewett, but she sees few other obstacles preventing Conroy Haydon from grabbing her first May 24 triumph.

However, Mewett said she is already looking at 1995 as an opportunity to further extend her record of victories in the Island's most prestigious road race.

Full entry list -- Page 14.

Sandra Mewett.