Records look set to be broken at this year’s Kawerau King of the Mountain race, with top athletes from both sides of the Tasman lining up to compete.

Ben Duffus, Daniel Jones, Shay Williamson and Sjors Corporaal, all big names in mountain running, are confirmed for the starting line-up.

Australian Ben Duffus will defend his title, which he nabbed in last year’s race. He proved himself the fastest competitor since 1988, when current record holder Barry Prosser finished in a blistering 45.54. Daniel Jones has not competed in the race since 2008. His surprise return could mean big upsets in race results, organisers say.

Shay Williamson last won the title in 2014 and is making another attempt in his last year running in the open category, while Sjors Corporaal placed third in 2015.

King of the Mountain event organisers are excited to see so many top runners taking part.

“I think this year has to be the year the record goes,” race director Lee Barton says. “The level of elite entrants is astonishing.”

“However, there is an entire field of competitors of all different levels of ability taking on this massive challenge; it is everyone together with the same adventurous spirit that makes this race something really special.”

Also entered are Mark Bourne, current King of Pomona (the sister race to Kawerau’s event in Australia King (Australia’s answer to the Kawerau event) and Australian mountain running champion, multiple Pomona king Neil Labinsky, current Pomona queen Leslie Saunders and Chris Morrissey, who will defend his veteran’s title.

Young talent Kaya Henderson-Corporaal is also expected to be a strong contender.

For more information see the King of the Mountain Facebook page or visit www.kaweraukingofthemountain.co.nz/enterhere.