The 24-year-old Ethiopian, who failed to retain her title in Beijing after accidentally colliding with an opponent late in the race, faces a tough field.

However, last year's IAAF 'Women's World Athlete of the Year' believes she can not only win, but also break Paul Radcliffe's course record of 14 minutes 51 seconds.

Defar, who holds the world record of 14min 46sec, said: "It is an important event for me after all the hard work in Beijing.

"I know it won't be easy, but I hope to break the course record."

Defar, who clocked 15min 08sec last year, also aims to further extend Ethiopia's winning streak in this women-only mass participation event following Berhane Adere's triumph in 2006.

The favourite will may not have it all her own way, though, and will be challenged by Jo Pavey, who finished third behind her last year, and reigning Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion Lucy Wangui Kabuu.

Kabuu's fellow Kenyans Vivian Cheruiyot and Linet Masai will also pose major threats after excellent displays in Beijing.

Masai, 18, finished just out of the medals in the Beijing 10,000m final but smashed the world junior and Kenyan records, while Cheruiyot finished fifth in the 5,000m final.

Cheruiyot sent a warning last night when, after looking as if she had lost to her fellow African over 5,000m in at the Memorial Van Damme meeting in Brussels, found hidden strength to snatch victory with her last stride.

"This is one of the best line-ups we have ever put together," said organiser David Bedford of the 15,000-strong event.

"But we are also pleased that so many women have once again signed up to take part in this special race - a fun day that's also a celebration of women's running."