A slow start to the season resulted in Caversham clubmate and Otago 1500m champion Ben Anderson beating Meffan to win the Edmond Cup over a similar distance at the end of June.
Meffan regrouped to win the Otago cross-country title two weeks later, over the slightly longer distance of 12km, and was the best of an Otago six-man team at the recent national cross-country championships.
But the race tomorrow race is on firmer footing and back over 10km as opposed to the cross-country titles fought out over 12km.
With his win in the Edmond Cup, Anderson proved he has the ability to contest 10km on firm footing and could take it to Meffan early enough to pose a problem.
Adding to the mix in what could be a very fast race is Daniel Balchin (New Brighton Olympic), a previous champion on the course.
Balchin, now registered with the Canterbury centre, will be unable to claim the Otago road title that goes with the race, but his presence up front could be a deciding factor when it comes down to who goes home wearing the Otago crown.
''It's been five years since somebody has broken 30min on the course,'' Meffan said.
''It's a naturally fast course, with its downhill start, so it would be quite nice to get a really good time.''
Meffan said he thought a sub-30min time was possible last year, but due to such a fast start and erratic pace, it did not eventuate.
He was hoping to work in with Balchin and Anderson to establish a more even pace this year, and set up what could be a thrilling finish among the three.
The women's race is open, although it would not be a massive surprise if Shauna Pali (Hill City-University) leaves with the title.
Pali (19), who appeared primed to enter the senior competition following victory in the Otago cross-country, will be seeking redemption after a poor run in the national event recently.
Another promising junior preparing to join the senior ranks next year is Emma Lloyd (Hill City-University).
Both runners may have to outsmart Louisa Andrew, who has proved unbeatable in open competition this year, and will be buoyed by her recent age-group title at the national cross-country in Hamilton.
Age-group races begin throughout the course at 1pm, with the open 10km feature race beginning on the far side of the Clyde Dam at 2pm.
