World Cross Country champion Benita Johnson said yesterday that she is eagerly looking forward to competing in the BUPA Great South Run on October 10.

Johnson, who scored a stunning victory against her normally dominant African rivals to clinch the world title in Brussels last March, gave them a repeat dose of her winning medicine last Sunday on Tyneside.

The 25-year-old Aussie star finished ahead of a star-studded field, scorching to a clear victory in the BUPA Great North Run. Now she is targeting another success in Portsmouth.

"I've never done a ten-miler before," said Johnson, "so I'll be looking to get a fast personal best out of the race and I'm hoping conditions will be helpful."

Johnson is well aware her training partner Sonia O'Sullivan has won the south-coast race for the last two years and, in 2002, set a then world record of exactly 53 minutes over the very flat and fast course.

"That was a fantastic run from Sonia and I remember watching it on the television," said Johnson, who is living in west London until her European tour finishes after the GSR event. She insisted: "I love all of the Great Runs over here but it's another one I haven't done before so I can't wait to get down to Portsmouth and do it.

"It will also be good preparation for the New York Marathon, giving me the chance to practise picking up my drinks at the feeding stations," said Johnson, scheduled to contest the Big Apple race on November 7.

Johnson and her husband, Cameron, who acts as physio to their training group which includes not only Ireland's O'Sullivan but many other top stars, plan arriving early in Portsmouth.

"They'll be giving a press conference on the Friday and will be highly visible the day before the Great South Run at the David Lloyd Miles, where the public have the opportunity to complete an electronically timed mile," said David Hart, the event's marketing director.

Hart added: "Both are keen to get involved in the full programme, including supporting both the junior and mini runs which are such a highlight of the Great South Run."

Accompanying them will be Charlotte Dale, the former European Cross Country champion who has linked up with the training group and become a highly popular member of the squad.

"She's a fantastic young girl who's got a lot of years ahead of her to reach the very top level," said Johnson. "I think she's great and I'm going to try everything I can to help her make the grade."

Organisers have asked everyone to take note that the start of the BUPA Great South Run on the Sunday morning will be at 10.30am, and runners are advised to allow plenty of time to make their way to the start line.