Leah Malot, Fridah Lodepa, Caroline Kigen and Rael Murey have been flown in specially by the race's organiser.

Malot, 35, is a veteran on the international cross-country, road and track circuits.

She has also captained the Kenyan national cross-country team.

Lodepa, 25, is the youngest of the four. This year, she won the Seuse 10km run in Italy and the Malacca International Marathon.

Lodepa trains in Malaysia along with Kigen and Murey, both 27.

All four are favourites to land the top cash prize of $5,000 - and shatter the course record.

In last year's inaugural run, Australian Suzanne Walsham finished first with a time of 38 minutes and six seconds.

Over 10km, Malot and Lodepa have a personal best time of 32 minutes. Kigen's best is 33 minutes, while Murey has a personal mark of 34 minutes.

'It is hot and humid here, but I still hope to set the course record and win the run,' said Malot, who is based in Germany.

Walsham is back to defend her title this year.

Top Singapore runners like Vivian Tang are also taking part.

Last year's run drew around 3,500 participants. Organisers say over 8,000 have signed up this year, making it the largest women's run in Singapore.

The competitive run, which starts and ends at the Padang, will be flagged off at 7.30am by Parliamentary Secretary (Community Development, Youth and Sports) Teo Ser Luck.

The event also includes a 5km fun run.

tvoon@sph.com.sg