Bermuda's top road runner Chris Estwanik has put out a call for youngsters to get a taste of racing under floodlights at the annual Pro Shop Dash at Dark junior running event next month.

"It is unique in that it is a racing event held at night. Not too many kids get the opportunity to run under the lights," said Estwanik, who is the current May 24 Derby champion.

"For the really young ones this is their first introduction to the sport. You see some of them meandering out to the start line with their parents, others are really determined to get racing."

Last year there were around 600 participants, aged from four to 12, competing in age-graded races on grass that stretched from 400 metres for the youngest to one mile events for those aged eight and above.

The event at the North Field at the National Sports Centre takes place on March 12, which is a Friday evening.

"It is a Friday night because that means there is less likelihood of conflict with other events," said Estwanik.

The races are open to all youngsters and are split into four divisions, with four and five-year-olds racing over 400 metres, six and seven-year-olds doing 800m, eight and nine-year-olds running a full mile and the 10 and 12-year-olds also competing over the mile distance.

All runners who take part will receive a Dash at Dark kit bag. Winners are awarded gift vouchers and there are medals and ribbons for the top five in each race category.

Youngsters will also wear microchip timing devices as are used in most of Bermuda's road races, to give them an accurately timed result and position.

The races start at 6.30 p.m., Pro Shop are the main sponsors, with further backing coming from Conyers Dill & Pearman and MAAC.

Although the race is on March 12, the entry deadline is March 6 and organisers have warned that no late entries will be accepted. Entries can be made online through the website www.bermudatiming.bm. However, paper entry forms are also available through the The Pro Shop in Hamilton.