Reigning 24 Hour world champion, Jason English, and the 2008 titleholder, James Williamson, will tackle the steep and tricky inclines on the Sedgwick hills.

Among the contenders at the Australian Marathon Championships will be Bendigo’s own Jo Wall and Shelly Flood who competed at this month’s world MTB championships at Stromlo National Park near Canberra.

Also competing will be Olympic representative Joshua Fleming, now based in Bendigo, and his brother, Sydney-based Matthew.

Bendigo Mountain Bike Club has recruited an army of volunteers to host the Australian Marathon Championships.

The `Black Saturday’ bushfires destroyed the previous location for the event.

Bendigo Mountain Bike Club president John Harvey said Sunday’s event would be the biggest run in central Victoria.

“We have a team of volunteers, plus marshalls putting in a lot of time and effort,’’ Harvey said.

“It has taken us about three days to put up the 400 directional arrows to mark the tracks.’’

The City of Greater Bendigo and various businesses have thrown their support behind the national event.

A big day of racing will include 25km and 50km events, and the 105km showdown which starts at 7.55am.