Top road runner Kavin Smith and his coach Duncan Newby were yesterday mapping out a programme designed to give the athlete stiffer competition.

Having conquered more than 50 four-man teams during Sunday's Deloitte and Touch relay over 13 miles at Dockyard, ideas of even bigger challenges were being tossed about to tie in with Smith's intensive training programme.

And likely next on the agenda will be this Sunday's half-marathon in which a cash incentive of $2,500 has been offered by new sponsors British American Insurance for anybody who can win the race from St.George's to Hamilton in under one hour and eight minutes.

That bonus is part of a total prize package worth some $10,000 as the company celebrate their 75th anniversary and 40 years on the Island.

While it's likely Smith will take up Sunday's challenge, although 2:08 is a particularly fast time, a scheme to bring in top international runners such as defending Front Street Mile champion Paul Freary of England, has also been mentioned.

Coach Newby said yesterday he was delighted with the response to his appeal for sponsorship to assist Smith in the build-up to next year's Olympics.

But while some $3,000 was raised from last Sunday's relay -- and was much appreciated -- far more was required, said Newby, if they were to reach the Olympic goal.

"We were hoping to get a little more on Sunday, but what was raised was a good sign, at least it's a step and a sign that things are going in the right direction,'' said Newby.

The fact that the general public were becoming more involved and informed about Smith's financial dilemma was an encouraging sign, said the coach. And as a result many people were coming up with ideas to assist in fund-raising.

Should sufficient cash be raised before the New Year, Newby said he would like to see Smith become involved in Grand Prix meets in both the United States and Europe and possibly spend time training at a high altitude in the United States or South America.

"It's unfortunate that Kavin wasn't really challenged on Sunday, but the formation of a more formidable relay team would be a great idea -- perhaps one consisting of Brett Forgesson, Tracy Wright, Colin Swan and Errol Cormack or maybe even three quality teams,'' said Newby.

"It's good to know that the sponsors for Sunday's half-marathon are preparing an incentive scheme offering cash if Kavin meets certain requirements which he is certainly capable of doing. But it would be really nice if he had somebody there to help him reach these targets.'' The coach relishes the idea to bring in recognised names for his runner to train with, but again stressed the importance of raising cash for such suggestions to materialise.

Not being based abroad, Smith doesn't have the advantages enjoyed by other top local athletes such as triple-jumper Brian Wellman and Troy Douglas who are regularly exposed to high class facilities and have other elite athletes to train with.

Added Newby: "We have to stress that he is not doing it for Kavin Smith, he is doing it for our society and the country at large. People can see that he is a role model, that's what they want their kids to be doing, getting out there and achieving.

"But the important thing is that he is willing to do so much here in his own country, where his own can see him work hard towards his goals. He is Bermudian and doing it for Bermudian people. There are so many options open for him, but without finances unfortunately they will not be reachable.'' KAVIN SMITH -- will need a personal best time of under 2:08 to collect Sunday's half-marathon cash bonus.