Top runner Chayce Smith is again ready to test his talent against the elite runners from around the world in January’s KPMG Invitational Front Street Mile.Smith has been given permission to race next year after an encouraging race last January, with long time race weekend administrator Pam Shailer inviting the runner to represent Bermuda again.He competed alongside compatriot Lamont Marshall in the previous elite race, finishing fourth with Marshall placing sixth.The 24-year-old has already won the local men’s race as a junior and will now look to go one better than his fourth place finish in the previous Front Street spectatcle.“I had qualified at the trials a few weeks ago and then sent an e-mail to see if I was going to be invited and got the good news from Pam Shailer who is pleased to see me again in the event,” said Smith.“Last year was a learning experience, I certainly won’t make the same mistakes as I did last time out.“It was a new element for me then but I’ve experienced how the race unfolds and will be ready.“It was close last year as the top four were all within one second of each other, but this year I’m stronger and faster so I’m just waiting on the day.”Smith was by far the fastest local runner in the recent trials, stopping the clock under last year’s elite winner’s time.Kenyan Phillip Lagat crossed the finish line in 4:20.2.Breaking the 4:20 mark in qualifying for the event, clocking in four minutes, 18 seconds, the Dellwood Middle School teacher will now look to win the race he was within .75 of a second from winning in coming fourth.He has found things difficult with his training, although he did place third in the national cross-country championships over the weekend behind Chris Estwanik and Sean Trott.The middle distance running is currently studying to get his masters degree and teaching certificate.While this is his priority, Smith he insists that he will be going out to win the race and be the first Bermudian to accomplish that feat.“I ran a fast time in the trials, to run under four minutes and 20 seconds but I got sick during the week and still ran under the time I wanted to beat.“I go out to win every race, so I’m out to win this race.“I’m working on my teaching certification and my masters degree so I have to fit in my running and study time, but it is going well and I’m enjoying what I’m doing.”