While last year’s champions Josh Harris and Amy Lamprecht are both set to return for the September 4 event, both are eyeing off international events later in the year, leaving podium positions up for grabs. 

Claridge said he expected Harris – who last year set a new course record of 2:33:02 - would pass up the marathon to turn out in either the 10km race or the half-marathon.

“We're not sure who's going to take the win, Josh Harris who won last year is preparing for the Berlin Marathon at the moment, he just won Adelaide Marathon last week,” Claridge said.

“At this stage the only person I'm aware of that may push the others in the men's race is David Bailey from Hobart and then there's a couple of local gents who could possibly push him as well.”

In the women’s event, Amy Lamprecht is likely to set a slower pace than the 3:09:22 that saw her clinch a fourth consecutive Ross title last year as she prepares to compete in Portugal.

“She's doing the World Trail Championships in October so I’m not sure whether there'll be someone pop along who'll be a bit quicker, she won't be pushing too hard. 

“There's a good opening there for a couple of the quicker girls from down Hobart way and a couple from up North to come and have a good run.”

Claridge said entries were shaping up nicely, with organisers having received slightly more entries than at the same time last year. 

“As far as the numbers go it's looking good and there's a good vibe about it at the moment. 

“We had close to 600 total last year and I reckon we'll end up being about the same for this year as well.”

The main event will kick off at 8am, before the half-marathon at 9.30am and the 10km race at 10am.

The children's 1km and 2km events will begin at noon.

Tickets are also available for a pre-race dinner at Ross Town Hall on September 3.

For more information or to enter visit www.rossmarathons.org.au