Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) are sending three of their coaches overseas on training courses to improve their skills.

Island Games sprinter Xavier James has headed to a North American and Central American track and field coaches congress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, along with several of the region's top coaches.

Bill Euler, from Mid-Island Striders Club, will be attending an IAAF Level III course in jumping events also in San Juan later this month, while Paul Simons will go to a Level One course in Boca Raton, in Florida next week.

BTFA president Donna Watson said: "Not only are we upgrading and looking for opportunities for our athletes but we are also upgrading our local coaches."

n Entry forms are now available for the annual Crime Stoppers 5K run and walk, the next event on the road racing calendar.

The Argus Group-sponsored event, organised by Swan's Running Club, is set for Sunday, October 25 and will also feature a 2.5 kilometre race for juniors.

Runners and walkers will line up outside the new Argus Building on Wesley Street in Hamilton for a 9.00 a.m. start . Juniors will start half an hour earlier.

Trophies and prizes will go to the top three male and female finishers in each of the following categories: Youth (8-11 years), Youth (12-15 years), Youth (16-18 years), Open, Masters and Senior Masters, as well as walkers. The first 350 finishers will receive a tee-shirt.

Entry forms can be picked up from the Argus Building, the International Sports Shop, Sportseller and Sports 'R' Us. Runners can also register online at www.bermudatiming.bm. Entry deadline is 4.30 p.m. on Friday, October 23.