Kallan Richardson, the leading male runner in the Swan’s Running Club Legend Series, has opted out of racing the rescheduled Ed Sherlock 8K on Saturday.

Richardson, who finished second to Dennis Mbelenzi in the Ludwig Cann 10K,won the Ray Swan 8K a fortnight ago and has accumulated 43 points in the series so far.

With the last race of the series, the Sir Stanley Burgess 5K, taking place on May 3 and carrying more points, the 20-year-old is focusing his efforts on the finale.

“I’m not planning to run on Saturday,” Richardson told The Royal Gazette.

“I only need three races in the series and the last one is worth double points. I’m planning on running the RenaissanceRe 10-Mile Challenge next weekend though.”

Mbelenzi is also missing the rearranged race as he recovers from running at the Shamrock Virginia Beach Marathon on March 22. The 44-year-old was eighth overall in that race and also won the masters division.

“I’m currently recovering and won’t participate in the Legends series third race,” Mbelenzi said.

“I am taking a bit of time off to recover before starting a mini-block towards the Derby in May.”

Sean Trott, who won the Ed Sherlock 8K last year, indicated that he is conserving his energy for the RenaissanceRe 10-Mile Challenge.

The absence of Mbelenzi, Trott and Richardson from the race, which starts and ends at Southampton Rangers Sports Club, gives an opportunity tfor other runners to pick up points.

Philip Woollins and Shannon Lawrence, who are tied for second on 30 points, will be the front runners.

Back home to give the two seasoned runners a challenge is Jake Smith. The University of Bath student was third last year in 30min 06sec.

Smith is running three races while on the island, with the others being the PHC Mile Run on Good Friday and the 10-Mile Challenge on April 12.

“This year I would like to get a time of less than 30 minutes and I plan on doing a negative split like last year,” Smith said.

“It’s very nice running in the sun and the air is so much fresher here. I’m looking forward to it and can’t wait to race on the rock again.”

On the women’s side, Estienne Coetzee leads the way with 50 points. She won the Ludwig Cann 10K and finished second in the Ray Swan 8K.

Tied for second on 33 points are Stepanka Sprincova and Teresa Ruiz. With the top three runners taking part in the race, it is promising to be an exciting contest.

Sprincova, who finished eighteenth overall last year in 33:31, is relishing the challenge against her Mid Atlantic Athletic Club training partners.

“I hope to beat my time from last year and of course to beat my good friend Teresa,” she said.