Yared Hagos will start out as favourite as he bids to win the Watford Half Marathon for a record third time in a row on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Ethiopian overcame a stomach upset 12 months ago to claim victory in a time of 1.06.29. Hagos will be the man to beat again in Sunday’s race but will also be joined in the field by last year’s runner-up Paul Martelletti.

Race organiser Richard Parles said: “It’s good to have both men competing again. Yared was very keen to defend and whereas he’s been based in Newcastle in previous years he’s now training in Loughborough with elite athletes.

“He will definitely start out as favourite. He is an outstanding athlete and I think there is every chance he can win it for a third year running.”

In the women’s event, defending champion Nicola Duncan will not be returning this year. But former Watford Harriers runner Claire Hallissey, will be competing for the first time, as the stand out female athlete. Hallissey competed in the 2012 Olympics and the Watford-born runner should relish the chance to return to her home town on Sunday.

The weather forecast is promising with cold, dry conditions expected but the course has still been altered this year to avoid potential flooded areas.

Parles explained: “We are not using Bottom Lane in Bucks Hill and Rousebarn Lane in Croxley because these have often been flooded.

“We are now going out and coming back the same way. It is a very similar route though, and will still be a pretty undulating course.”

There are 2,350 runners registered for the event although several hundred are typically expected to drop out on the day. The race starts at 10.30am in Cassiobury Park. There is also a 2.4k Under-8s competition and a 4k run for Under-10, Under-12 and Under-14s.

Residents are advised there will be road closures in the area during Sunday and can find a map of the route online at www.watfordharriers.org.uk/WhindexF.htm.