The BOclassic returns for its 41st edition on New Year’s Eve

Ross Millington, Tom Lancashire, Elle Vernon and Elinor Kirk are among a number of British athletes set to compete in the BOclassic on New Year s Eve.

The event, which has been held in the northern Italian town of Bolzano for 41 years, is one of the world s best known New Year s Eve races and has been contested by athletes such as Mo Farah in the past.

In 2010, Farah was beaten over 10km by Imane Merga of Ethiopia, while in 2009 the Briton lost to Edwin Soi of Kenya and Merga.

A crowd of around 10,000 is expected to watch the race, which passes through the town s famous Christmas markets.

And Merga is expected to return again and be joined by Ethiopian team-mate and last year s winner Edris Muktar, plus Jairus Birech and Thomas Longosiwa of Kenya and Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia.

The Brits in the field are primarily there as part of Steve Vernon’s training group. In addition, European junior cross-country champion Yema Crippa of Italy is due to compete.

The women s 5km race features last year s winner, Janet Kisa of Kenya, and Netsanet Gudeta of Ethiopia.

Start lists and stats can be found here.

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