Chris and Ashley Estwanik will be attempting to create road racing history when they look to become the first husband and wife duo to win the May 24th Half-Marathon Derby on Monday.

"This is something we have thought about," admitted Chris Estwanik yesterday.

"Someone made us aware of this fact, and it would be incredible to achieve. We have been with each other through thick and thin, so it would be something very special."

Ashley, who competed for Bermuda in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006, is also well aware of the historic opportunity that lies ahead.

"We would be really excited about that, but we can't get ahead of ourselves," she said.

"The race still has to be won, and anyone can win on any given day.

"But if it was to happen, I would personally be thrilled."

The Estwaniks have won every road race they have entered (apart for International Race Weekend) since returning from the US.

"The half-marathon is a big step up from what we are used to running. We have increased our mileage through races and preparation," said Ashley, who holds the local women's Front Street Mile record.

"We have prepared as much as we can and what it will come down to is who is on form. Anyone can prepare for this and go and have a bad day, so we can only tell by the day."

The couple, who triumphed in their respective divisions in the Ed Sherlock five-mile race recently, regularly train together.

"We run together in the mornings, it makes the run easier when you have someone out there with you," Chris explained.

"This is the one event in Bermuda that runners circle on their calendar and we have backed our training up around this date."

Ashley, a teacher at the Bermuda High School for Girls, will have her own cheering section out on all parts of the route to offer inspiration.

"I have a few of my students at my school telling me that they have banners made for me and will be on Harbour Road, so it is getting pretty exciting."

She knows who she will be up against after competing on the local circuit for more than a year and envisages Dawn Richardson and Victoria Fiddick to provide the main challenge.

"Dawn will be up the front, as this is kind of her race. Also, Victoria Fiddick even though she has had a few injuries I am to understand.

"You also can't tell exactly who else will be up there as some people could be laying low and training on their own. So it is a good feeling to have, knowing that anyone can win the race."

The Estwaniks are not specialists in long road races having previously concentrated on track events from 800 metres up 1500 metres.

"We have had to adjust our training a bit as we are used to running one mile," Chris said.

"In the last month or so we have been trying to maintain our mileage."

The former American track athlete, who came desperately close to qualifying for the US Olympic team, knows what the race means to Bermudians and is striving to perform at his best.

"This is my first Bermuda Day race, and my wife, who is Bermudian, has told me so much about it, I am really looking forward to it," he said.

"I ran the course a few weeks back, but you have to be aware of the temperature and humidity, so your strategy will vary depending on the weather.

"The general point of the race is to put yourself in a position to be competitive, so when it reaches its climax you are still in the hunt. I have spoken to my main challengers and they have all said that the race changes in the last few miles, so it will be exciting.

"I feel both of us have the ability to be in a position to be there at the end and from there it is all about drive and who wants it more."