Kavin Smith is negotiating a long-term sponsorship deal in the form of additional travel vouchers and running apparel after his record-setting run in the Marathon Derby on Monday.

Smith's win in the annual Somerset to Hamilton race landed him a travel voucher prize of $1,000 courtesy of a local business, putting an end to the star runner's criticism of the customary first prize of a lone airline ticket to New Jersey.

Smith was given incentive to smash his own record after being approached Sports R Us manager Daren Mayeaux. One of three runners in the race donning jerseys emblazoned with the store's name, Smith more than accepted the challenge: His time of one hour, 11 minutes and 27 seconds over the 13.3-mile course bettered the previous mark by nearly two minutes.

While organisers say they will attempt to improve on the race's offerings, the move by Sports R Us -- and others that may follow -- could turn out to be lucrative one for future runners in the Derby.

Indeed, Smith feels it will inject further enthusiasm into running.

Mayeaux also felt the move would assist in the further development of serious runners as well as encourage others to aim for greater heights.

Female champion Karen Adams and Julia Hawley were also running for Sports R Us and given the essential gear after being approached by Mayeaux.

"Kavin gets a travel voucher for $1,000 and we are working towards furthering the sponsorship,'' said Mayeaux. "We sponsored him a couple of years ago when he was basically having hard times attending the necessary meets abroad. This time we decided that if he sets a record for a goal we would assist him in the form of a travel voucher, something that will cut down some of his expenses.'' "What we actually did was call up about eight or nine top runners and offfered our products for them to use. The bottom line is that we are trying to help out these athletes due to the fact that they spend a lot of money on equipment and travelling and our main focus was to help them underwrite some of the cost.'' While Smith stands to get further assistance from the business, Mayeaux said that he also spoke to the women about future assistance after the marathon, claiming that his business would be willing to listen to their cases if there is a need for help in any form.

"We are trying to help the athletes to grow, help the sport grow, help inject enthusiasm into the community.

"We are aware of their pressing needs, especially for those who are aiming to reach certain levels, those who are out there on a regular basis and not just running the annual Marathon Derby. If we can help where it is going to benefit them then it's good. That's what we in Bermuda need to do in general, there must be a focus and goal so that more athletes can sign up and get involved.'' Smith made it clear that Sports R Us were not responding to his remarks about the "mere pittance'' plane ticket that was given to the winner.

Last week he suggested organisers could do better by finding sponsors to help award more lucrative prizes with awards also going to the first six winners in the male and female categories.

He indicated that many lesser road races were awarding prizes that were far superior to that offered for what is probably the biggest sporting event of the year.

"The nice thing about this is that Sports R Us were willing to hear what I wanted to do as far as running and other different scenarios,'' said Smith.

"They knew I was serious runner and that it would be to their benefit to offer sponsorship etc. so that everybody could benefit.'' "It turned out to be very interesting and we are now negotiating, planning for what I want to do for the rest of the year. By becoming involved, getting people like myself and the two girls, I feel that it was a good move on their part. I don't care what they put up, I'm not one to look for money. I just wanted the value in prizes and the vouchers are fine, really appreciated.'' ON THE RUN -- Kavin Smith (top) credited a new sponsor for giving him a boost in Monday's record-setting performance in the Marathon Derby. The race was preceded by the two-mile Junior Classic (above). Left to right are Tyler Butterfield, Jeremiah Smith and Larry Marshall.