Tergat to run in Manchester

Tergat won the race in 2003

World marathon record holder Paul Tergat heads the entrants for the Bupa Great Manchester Run on 23 May.

Tergat has pulled out of the London Marathon in April because of a calf injury but is expected to defend the title he won in Manchester last year.

Race spokesman David Hart said: "Paul's manager Federico Rosa has told us there should be no problem with the injury."

Australian World Cross Country champion Benita Johnson will take on 2003 winner Berhane Adere in the women's race.

Tergat's main rival is expected to be fellow Kenyan Sammy Kipketer, who won the Commonwealth Games 5,000m gold medal in Manchester in 2002.

"Obviously we are all delighted Paul will be back and of course it's great to have Sammy come and challenge him," said Hart.

A record 16,000 competitors are set to take part in the race.

"To say we are ecstatic with the race entry would be an understatement," said Hart.