The demands of the course at Wingatui, featuring its often cursed water jump, have often been a gauge on the strengths of individual athletes and clubs alike.
Two athletes returning to compete in today's race this year are Stafford Thompson (Ariki), and Shireen Crumpton (Hill City).
Thompson (28) was the winner of the 2006 open men's title after finishing runner-up in 2004 and 2005, and Crumpton is a three-times winner of the open women's title in 1999, 2002 and 2004.
Following a two-year break from the sport, Crumpton's recent form indicates she is fast regaining top fitness. She ran toe to toe over the first 17km with Olympic marathon representative Nina Rillstone in the half marathon section of the Christchurch Marathon at Queen's Birthday Weekend, eventually finishing just 25sec behind in second, in a respectable 1hr 14min 49sec.
Heading Otago University's chances this year is Erin Whitla, who finished third in the 10km road race section of the Christchurch Marathon, in a personal- best 38min 12sec.
Thompson heads a strong Ariki squad in the open men's race, with Callan Moody and James List also expected to be prominent.
The race for team honours could again be fought out between Ariki and Leith.
Leith is headed by defending champion Neale McLanachan, with Andrew Lonie and John Winsbury both expected to put in a strong challenge.
Sam Kidd (Otago University), following his victory last weekend in the Chingford Challenge, could be join a prestigious group from the University club with Andrew Davidson (2005), Stuart Melville (1973), Peter Walsh (1966, 1968) and Jack Lovelock (1930) all past winners of the open men's race.
Junior grades start racing at 1.15pm, with the open women's race at 1.30pm and the open men at 2.30pm.
