Victorian steeplechase specialist Victoria Mitchell said she was well aware of the step up in class of this year’s competition. 

Her biggest rival will most likely be Olympian Eloise Wellings who is fresh off a personal best in the 10,000m at the 2016 Olympic Games. 

But Mitchell should not be deterred having also competed in Rio in the 3000m steeplechase, clocking a season’s best 9:39.40.

“Elzy [Wellings] has always been a tough competitor,” Mitchell said.

“She is a runner who never gives up and she always seems like she has more in the tank. 

“She just has that fight in her and she will be really tough to beat.” 

Mitchell expected a battle to the line but said she had beaten Wellings in the past which gave her confidence. 

“I beat her in the Run the Bridge earlier this year in Hobart so I know I can do it.

“But she’s in pretty good form and was amazing in Rio so we’ll see how we go.” 

Mitchell said Burnie was a popular but tough road run. 

“With Burnie being a run where you go out and back you usually get the wind in one direction and I remember coming back to the finish is tough because it’s uphill. 

“Those type of events really show how I’m definitely a distance runner and not a sprinter. Sprinting to the line is not a strong suit.

“My last race down here was my best memory. It’s always a good time in Tasmania and they really embrace the run in Burnie.”