Kipchoge heads for Newcastle

Kipchoge was a junior at the 2003 World Cross-Country event

World 5,000m champion Eliud Kipchoge has agreed to race in the Great North-Cross Country in January.

The 18-year-old caused an upset when he beat world 1500m and mile record holder Hicham El Guerrouj in Paris.

His participation in Newcastle on 3 January is now expected to spark further entries from elite runners.

Race director Peter Elliott said: "I made my mind up [after Paris] that I wanted him for our race. Thankfully negotiations have worked out."

Elliott, a former Olympic 1500m silver medallist, attracted the then-unknown Kenenisa Bekele as a newcomer to Newcastle two years ago.

Within four months of winning on Tyneside the Ethiopian was crowned world cross-country long and short course champion.

Elliott now believes Kipchoge could steer the same course when Belgium plays host to next year's Worlds at the end of March.

"He's phenomenal and not only did he beat El Guerrouj but also Bekele with his victory in Paris," said Elliott.

"I think he can repeat this form next year in Brussels.

"Now I've just to get some other runners capable of taking him on."

In the women's race, reigning world short-course champion Edith Masai has already confirmed she will defend her title.

Facing the Kenyan will be top Britons Jo Pavey, Kathy Butler and Liz Yelling.