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LOOKING FOR ANOTHER VICTORY: Titus Mbishei

TITUS MBISHEI’S late decision to defend his Bupa Great Edinburgh Run title on Sunday will add even further strength to the best ever field ever assembled for the 10 kilometres event.

The former world junior 10,000 gold medallist will be aiming to match his solid victory ahead of fellow Kenyan Edwin Soi in last year's race but knows on this occasion the threat from Martin Mathathi, another outstanding countryman, will offer him an even stronger challenge.

Mbishei will realise there are others in the race also capable of giving him a run for his money around the streets of Scotland's capital city.

But it is Mathathi, winner of the recent Bupa Great North Run where with a scintillating display the former World 10,000 track bronze medallist ran the fastest half marathon ever seen on British soil.

Mathathi, confident of another victory and looking forward to the race, said: "This is my first time to run in Scotland. Because I am based in Japan most of the year I have not raced much in Europe."

Recalling his Bupa Great North Run success, he added: "I knew I had good speed after finishing fifth in the 10,000m in the World Championships," which took place last month in Dageu. "I was confident of running well before the race."

Mathathi still intending to concentrate on track running over 10,000 before stepping up in distance on the roads, revealed: "I will go back to Japan after Edinburgh and start training for 2012.

"The Olympics in London is what I am preparing for next. I was seventh in the last. Then I would like to run the London Marathon in 2013 and 2014."