10k road race sets the pace

The men s race has all the ingredients of being a real thriller such is the class of runner on show.

As always the Kenyans provide the major threat with Julius Kibet (race No 1), Joel Saitoti (2), James Getanda (7) all in with a shout of taking the title.

A Toyota Yaris car is on offer to the first runner to go under 28 minutes 30 seconds and race organiser Terry Skelton believes this could be the year it finally goes. The first lady under 33 minutes drives away a Nissan Micra.

"I want the cars to go," he said. "It all depends on the weather and how they run it."

Kibet ran the fastest 10k in Britain last year - a time of 28.36 at Cheltenham, while 17-year-old Getanda is absolutely flying at the moment with wins in Madrid and Porto.

Saitoti is something of an unknown quantity, but three wins out of four races in the Kenyan cross-country series means he could be the one to watch.

The main threat to the Kenyans amongst the anticipated 1,200 plus field comes from Carl Thackery (4), Barry Royden (3) and Andy Gardiner (10).

The ladies race is expected to be dominated by former winner Esther Kiplagat (26), although talented youngster Charlotte Dale (20) and Amanda Wright (22) will keep her on her toes.

The race starts on the running track at the William Parker Athletic Arena in Parkstone Road at 11am.

There will also be two mini runs for under and over 10s, starting at 9.30am and 9.45am.

Any entries on the day should turn up early because places cannot be guaranteed.