Johnson runs

Newly-crowned world cross-country champion Benita Johnson has confirmed she is a definite starter for May’s Balmoral Road Races.

Johnson, who scored the biggest-ever shock in the history of the IAAF event when she won the world title at the weekend, is talking about racing over 5,000 metres at Balmoral Castle where her main rival will be training partner Sonia O’Sullivan.

Last year, the Australian came second over five miles to world 10,000m title-holder Berhane Adere of Ethiopia. This year’s programme has been revamped and will feature international races over one mile and 5,000 metres for both men and women, as well as the BUPA Great Caledonian Run around its traditional 10 kilometre course in Balmoral Castle.