runner, warmed up for next weekend's International 10K when he romped to victory in yesterday's Princess to Princess Race.

Wright's time of 39 minutes, 52 seconds over the hilly 7.2 mile course was outside his personal best and the course record, but some 12 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Brett Forgesson (40.04) in conditions made difficult by driving rain and a strong headwind.

Forgesson, rapidly returning to his best form after injury problems, closed the gap on Wright over the last two miles after Wright had surged into a commanding lead along Harbour Road.

But Wright, a clear winner of this season's cross-country series and national championships, was never seriously threatened.

"I felt good most of the way although the rain and the wind made it tough,'' said Wright, who has confirmed his entry for next Saturday's 10K and may also attempt Sunday's half marathon.

None of the top overseas entrants in next weekend's events arrived in time to compete yesterday, although third place went to Commonwealth Games steeplechaser Terrance Armstrong (40.51), currently taking a break from his studies at Rider College.

He'll be among the Elite Mile field this Friday night, having been the first local finisher in that race a year ago, and he may also run Saturday's 10K.

Jennifer Fisher, who like Wright dominated this season's cross country, emulated that form on the road yesterday with an impressive win among the females in 45.17 for 19th place overall in a starting field which numbered close to 200.

Fisher, who hopes to represent Bermuda at the upcoming Pan-Am Games in Argentina, finished 14 seconds ahead of Maria Conroy Haydon (45.31) with Sandra Mewett, the fastest Master (over 40), third in 47.01 and Julia Hawley fourth in 47.25. Second female Master was Jane Christie in 50.03. The men's Masters race proved one of the best of the day with three over 40-year-olds finishing among the top ten. Honours eventually went to Harry Patchett who clocked an outstanding 42.12 (sixth overall) to pip Rod Allen (42.19) by seven seconds. Leon Matthews (ninth overall) followed closely in 42.54.

Regular return US visitor Sid Howard blitzed the over-50 field to take the veterans title in 45.52 (25th overall) while Peggy Couper was the female winner in that category, clocking 54.06.

Kwame Tucker (58.24) was first to finish among the under 20s.

While the race, now in its 18th year, proved as popular as ever with a field larger than last year, it was marred by the antics of former runner Paul Edness who again was heard shouting obscenities at certain competitors along the route.

Edness was banned for a year by Bermuda Track and Field Association following similar complaints last year which in one instance resulted in an altercation with Brett Forgesson.

One of those subject to his abuse yesterday has said he will file a written complaint with the BTFA.

Tracy Wright and Jennifer Fisher cross the finish line to complete victories in the respective open men's and ladies' divisions of yesterday's Princess to Princess Road Race.