Border ready to run hills as record holder joins the track

It will be Moneghetti's first time back since his record-breaking run in 2003.

Having not raced competitively since 2014, it's about fun these days for Moneghetti, who continues to support local running festivals around the country.

His 2003 time of 34.57 is not expected to be under threat this year, however, reigning champion Jack Rayner has come the closest, posting 36.15 last year.

Rayner will not be defending his Nail Can title, having just run his first marathon in London last weekend.

Rayner finished with an impressive result of 14th in 2.11.06.

Despite a lack of recent racing, you can expect to see Moneghetti right up near the front of the field by the time the leaders hit the finishing straight.

Steve will be giving himself a slight handicap in first firing the starters gun, then jumping down to join the field as they set off down Centaur Road.

So this really is your chance to run with an all-time great.

Among the local hopefuls will be Ben Derrick, who won the race back in 2000.

Derrick placed fourth last year behind three world class runners.

Should he salute again in 2019, it will be easily the longest stretch between wins, eclipsing Anthony Evans who won in 1987 and again in 1995.

Alex Race-Stelling has been steadily improving in recent years and placed third in this year's City to City 10km run.

With youth on his side, this could be his break through year.

Other locals expected to be prominent include regular top 10 finishers Luke Preston and Asley Hoffman, who have been running longer distances on the local trail running events.

Reece Evans has been burning up the track at Park Run recently and a high finish is expected if he can carry that form over the hills.

Mattieu Dore ran well in the City to City and has since run the Boston Marathon in 2.45.34.

The women's race this year sees the return of 2017 winner Elizabeth Humphries from Canberra.

She brings good form to the race, having just finished third in the iconic Six Foot Track ultra marathon in the Blue Mountains.

Humphries will be tested over the course by local up and comers Callista Race-Stelling and Lauren Preston.

Lauren Starr could surprise as a top class track runner, now switching over to the trails.

Lisa Barry is back running well and excels on the steep hills, while Kelli Hoffman should be prominent, however, has only recently returned from injury.