McColgan admits Britain's medal hopes have been depleted by missing Paula Radcliffe, who pulled out this week with tonsilitis, and the injured Mara Yamauchi, while Liz Yelling and Jo Pavey are also absent after recently becoming mothers.

But the Scot, who won the title when the Great North Run hosted the inaugural Championships in 1992, believes the squad of Alyson Dixon, Claire Hallissey, Gemma Miles, Rebecca Robinson and Michelle Ross-Cope will perform well when the UK hosts the meeting for a third time.

McColgan, who is now contracted by UK Athletics to nurture the next generation of world class British distance runners, said: "It's sad and disappointing Paula isn't running and of course that will make a difference.

"But we've still got a really strong team with all having ran personal bests of between 72 and 73 minutes.

"Just as importantly all of the girls are currently running well and I'm looking forward to chatting to them and telling them what to expect."

Kenya and Ethiopia are expected to dominate the team race with Japan, Russia and the United States tipped to fight for the bronze medal.

But McColgan, who believes her squad have an outside chance of a medal, says the event will be an invaluable experience for her squad.

The 1988 Olympic 10,000 metres silver medallist said: "The race is a good stepping stone for them in their future careers and and I'm sure the atmosphere of competing at this level will prove a big benefit."

Kenyan Mary Keitany has the fastest time in the world this year of 67 minutes and starts as favourite.

But Keitany, who was second in 2007, will underestimate her fellow African rivals at her peril.

Zersenay Tadese is favourite to win a third consecutive men's title although the Eritrean will face a severe test from the Kenyan pair of Sammy Kitwara and Bernard Kipyego.

Britain men will field a full team in the men's event for the first time in eight years, headed by Scot Andrew Lemoncello.


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