RACING: The Great North Cross Country in Newcastle, England, on January 3rd could prove a decisive factor in Paul Tergat deciding whether to chase a record sixth World Cross Country title.

The Kenyan has declared himself to be a marathon specialist after becoming the first athlete to run under two hours five minutes for the distance. But he has not ruled out competing in next year's world championships in Brussels. A victory there would edge him ahead of the record number of wins he shares with fellow Kenyan John Ngugi.

Speaking from his Nairobi home, Tergat admitted how he fares against a strong field in Newcastle will greatly influence his decision.

Facing him in what promises to be an explosive contest over a fast course will be two of the world's outstanding young athletes: Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge and Sileshi Sihine of Ethiopia.

Teenager Kipchoge stunned his more experienced rivals, notably Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj, by winning the world 5,000 metres gold medal in August in record time.

Tergat, returning to the north-east where he won the Great North Run two years ago, insisted: "I'm really looking forward to a cross country season, although my heart is now with the marathon.

"It is going to be a very tough race, but cross country has always been in my blood and is still very precious to me.

"I've missed competing in the sport I grew up and made my name in".