Canterbury's Phil Costley will attempt to become the first athlete to win the New Zealand cross-country title for five successive years on Saturday.
Costley, the national short course cross-country champion, will face a strong field in his quest at the Stratford race course.
Reigning New Zealand mountain running and half
marathon champion, Dale Warrander, comes into the race following a disappointing effort in the Gold Coast marathon in Queensland last month.
Warrander, the 2000 national cross-country champion, had a week off after that before getting back into his work routine.
"I have had three solid weeks of training since then," he said.
"There will be no pressure on me, I will run a natural race and if I feel good I will go for it."
Warrander, of New Plymouth, said he had competed at the Stratford race course on three occasions.
"It will be a muddy course which will suit Phil and myself. It is going to be a good challenge," he said.
National road champion Ben Ruthe of Waikato Bay of Plenty, Rees Buck of Wellington, Angus Bell of Auckland, and Rowan Hooper of Canterbury will ensure an honest pace throughout the 12km race.
National road champion Jess Ruthe of Tauranga is favoured for the 8km women's race.
Ruthe won the title in Hastings two years ago and has since improved her times on the track, winning the national 10,000m and 1500m titles this year.
The main challenge will come from Melissa Moon of Wellington.
However, Rowan Baird of Auckland, Belinda Wimmer of Tasman, Yvonne Evans of Canterbury and Maria Akesson of Otago, are also expected to be prominent runners.
- NZPA
