How he rates: Alex Hains

The Nos Galan race has been run since 1958 and commemorates the exploits of Guto Nyth Bran (1700-37) of Llanwynno who accepted a challenge to run 12 miles from Newport to Caerphilly. He won the race easily, but the congratulatory back slapping from his great supporter Sian the Shop proved too much for him and he dropped dead moments after crossing the finish line. A 5km run through the village of Mountain Ash is held in his honour on the evening of New Year's Eve.

Alex Hains came second the two year's I won it, in 2003 and 2002. I did not race last year but Alex was leading comfortably after the first two laps of the circuit through the streets of the village but tripped over a dog lead when trying to overtake one of the fun runners jogging with her dog. That was a common peril in the past because you would have a field of about 600 runners. You would be pretty badly boxed at the start, then the serious runners would edge ahead after two circuits and you would have to overtake all the joggers. This year there is going to be an elite race following the fun run so it will be more a test of speed and stamina than it used to be. Back then the ability to predict possible hazards, and luck, would come into it in a big way.

Alex obviously has something to prove after last year. Previously, because of the need to overtake on the last lap, you have to risk a sort of cat-and-mouse approach and might need the skills of a steeplechaser. It'll be quite a different event this year. But there will still be a lot of congestion with the spectators waiting to see the new year in on the tight little course. Less moving obstacles, sure, this year but I am sure it will still be a difficult race to run.

It's a three-lap course and you weave your way in and out of the village, which is perched on the side of a mountain. It's a beautiful setting with lovely scenery. It is an evening race and a mystery celebrity athlete, his identity kept secret until the last minute, precedes the main field with a lit torch. The spectators all carry lanterns too, making it a unique and quite romantic experience.

Alex has a good background in cross-country and endurance running. His stamina over distance is excellent but although he's not a slow runner by any sense at the finish, that is one of my main strengths and where I would look to beat him. He might choose to go halfway through the race at 2500m or even take off at the front.

He's a Cardiff boy but has been at university in the US where the training is intense. American coaches are strong on tactical race-planning. He will also have benefited from being part of a peer group in a large set-up of competitive athletes on campus. I think he'll come back with a sound tactical awareness and I expect to have to be on my mettle on New Year's Eve.

James Thie won the Nos Galan race in 2002 and 2003 and is participating in this year's event. He will be representing Wales over 1500m at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Age 23

Team Butler University, Indianapolis

Stamina 9/10

Front running 8/10

Tactics 8/10

Obstacle awareness 3/10

Speed 7/10

Strength 9/10

Finish 7/10