The Gold Coaster won the silver medal in the marathon at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and is the only Australian male marathoner with a qualifying time for the 2012 London Olympics.

``I am excited to run the Hobart Run the Bridge because it will be my first race since the Amsterdam marathon in October 2011,'' Shelley said, referring to the race where he clocked an Olympic marathon qualifier of 2:11:38.

``It will provide me with an idea as to how my training is going in my attempt to make the Australian Olympic team. The course looks great and i am looking forward to the challenges that it will bring.''

Shelley's addition sets up a showdown with triple Olympian Troop who has won both previous races.

After starting out his career on an AIS scholarship in the 1500 metres, under the guidance of head coach Dick Telford, Shelley has moved back to the Gold Coast and became one of the countries most respected road racers. Throughout his career, Shelley has won multiple national medals on the track and taken out the worlds largest fun run, the City 2 Surf. He also represented Australia at the world half marathon championships, multiple world cross country championships.

Shelley continues to be guided by Telford, who also coaches Olympic marathoner Lisa Weightman. Race information and entries are available at www.hobart runthebridge.com.au.