THREE former winners are confirmed entries for the 2006 RBC All Terrain Challenge, which starts on Saturday and runs all next week. Another record field was reached at the weekend, much to the delight of organiser Geoff King.

‘Although we have some familiar faces, many are taking up the challenge for the first time in what is arguably the island’s toughest sporting event,’ he said.

Races take place each evening for seven days starting on Saturday at Saumarez Park.

Other tests include road runs, cliff runs, 800m track races and cross country and conclude on the tracks and beaches of Herm. All races start at 6.30pm.

The field for the 10th challenge includes Francis Kehoe, the inaugural winner, Dave Dyke, last year’s winner, and multiple winner and cliff path expert Paul Ingrouille.

However, in the absence of Steve Dawes and Lee Garland, who are concentrating on their track exploits, the pre-event favourite is Mark Mercier, although

he may be pushed by triathlete Dave Holmes.

Young Mercier was expected to be a strong contender last year but on the first of the two cliff runs tripped on a downhill stretch and badly broke an arm.

Among a large number of women entered, the leader is likely to be either Martine Scholes or Gail Merrien, although both have one eye on other events to come and their participation in all the races is not assured.

This may allow regulars Elyse Dandeker and Misha Adamcova to battle out for places on the podium, although there are many entrants who are new to the racing scene and unknown.

‘This could be one the most open

challenges for years, with the two long cliff-path races likely to be key to producing the winner,’ said King.