With both defending champion Jennifer Alen and May 24 Derby champion Rose-Anna Hoey missing, Ashley Estwanik should be a red-hot favourite to win this Sunday’s popular all-women PartnerRe 5K.Alen is injured and Hoey, who beat Estwanik in the May 24 race, is expecting her first child early next year.“Sadly, last year’s winner Jennifer Alen is unable to compete this year due to injury and we wish her well,” said Hoey, who is one of the organisers. “However, we are expecting an exciting race with Ashley Estwanik, Victoria Fiddick, Deon Breary and maybe even top triathlete Karen Smith. I will enjoy watching this event from the sidelines.“I’m not competing this year as I am almost halfway through my first pregnancy . . . so I will be slowing down for a little while.“Also, there’s a lot to do for a large event like this.”Despite the absence of two top runners, Hoey said expected a fun day out for both runners and walkers as numbers are steadily increasing throughout as the deadline nears.“Last year we had over 1,100 participants and we are almost halfway there already.“We encourage all ladies of all ages and fitness levels to join us to help support this worthy cause.”The previous six years have seen the race and walk flourish under the leadership of former race directors Alison Harvey, Kathy Fulcher and Lesley Caslin.The trio stepped down after last year’s event to make way for a new team, consisting of Hoey, the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Cub (MAAC) president, Gemma O’Brien and Jayne Stevens.The event also features a junior 2K race as well as competitive and non-competitive walks on the 5K course, which starts and finishes in the Botanical Gardens.Organised MAAC, this year’s race will raise funds for the Coalition for the Protection of Children.The women’s 5K race is at 9am on Sunday, with the juniors race starting at 8.30am.Participants will be able to enjoy a post-race celebration breakfast in the Botanical Gardens afterwards.Entries are being accepted until late Friday afternoon.Entry forms are available at Sportseller, in Washington Mall, or online at www.racedayworld.com.Details are also available at www.partnerre5k.bmThere are no race entries on the day, however late entries will be taken at race number pickup on Saturday in the Jack King Building at the Botanical Gardens between 9am and 11am.