Australia's top distance runners Craig Mottram and Benita Johnson will both be competing at the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country in the New Year. The pair will be lining up at Holyrood Park on 13th January.
"They've both competed in Edinburgh before and know the quality of opposition they can expect to face on the day," said Matthew Turnbull, elite athletes director for the meeting.
Mottram was pushed back into ninth place against a star-studded field at the inaugural meeting in 2005. While Johnson was much more successful - losing by just a second to World 5000m champion Tirunesh Dibaba.
Turnbull added: "Their presence clearly is an indication they will contesting other races on the European cross country circuit before the World Championships in March.
"Craig is determined once again to prove a thorn in the side of his African rivals. He is considering competing in Mombassa where Benita would love to win again what is one of the world's toughest distance running titles."
Turnbull revealed he is in the early stages of putting together the elite fields for both of the international races but is adamant they will again be of outstanding quality.
"It was only announced earlier this week that Edinburgh will host the 2008 IAAF World Cross Country Championships, so I think those who haven't competed here in the last two years, will be wanting to have a test run over the course."
The Great Winter Run, a 5K road race for club and fun runners of all abilities will again be an integral part of the day's action. The scenic course attracted over 1500 runners this year and is already on course for a record breaking number of entries in 2007.
The days proceedings will begin with the Tesco Junior Great Edinburgh Run, a 2.4km multi terrain course for children aged 7 – 13 years of age.
Entries for the event are still open and anyone that wants to take part can apply on line at www.greatrun.org
