So desperate is Boniface Kiprop to finally win the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run, the Commonwealth 10,000 metres champion forfeited the chance to win the African title this week.
Asked by the Ugandan federation to change his plans and run in Ethiopia, the 22-year-old instead opted for a third appearance at Scotland's premier road race on Sunday.
Twice in the last four years, Kiprop has finished runner-up in the 10-kilometre event.
But after preparing specifically for this year's race, he insists he can break his duck.
Explaining his decision not to compete in Addis Ababa, Kiprop said: "I was not ready for that - I had already prepared my mind to run here in Edinburgh.
"Also, because of the high altitude in Addis, there would be no possibility of an Olympic qualifying time. I'll try for that in Hengelo later in the month."
Kiprop, who lost out in sprint finishes three years ago and last May, regards Edinburgh - with its steep hills - a tough course to master.
He said: "Yes, it's difficult with many twists and turns, so I'll need a tactical plan to fulfil my ambition of a first victory."
It appears Kiprop is aiming to break his rivals long before the finish rather than be overshadowed in the last 100 metres, as he was by Juan Carlos de la Ossa and Hosea Macharinyang on his last two visits.
Kenya's Bernard Kipyego, third in last year's world cross country long course race, is expected to be his biggest rival, while world marathon bronze medallist Viktor Rothlin of Switzerland should find the tough course to his liking.
Dan Robinson, who sealed his Olympic place when he was the first British finisher at last month's Flora London Marathon, heads the domestic challenge.
The 33-year-old Stroud athlete said: "The race comes just three weeks since I ran there and it offers a good opportunity to get involved in what will be a quality contest.
"I'm sure Kiprop and Kipyego will run together early and push the pace along but I don't feel under any pressure competing here so soon after London.
"I'm looking for speed before I commence my build-up for Beijing and a fast 10km here and two more later this month in Manchester and London suits me fine."
In the women's race, one of Benita Johnson and Rose Cheruiyot look poised to succeed Jelena Prokopcuka, the Latvian who triumphed in the first three Edinburgh runs.
Johnson, the 2004 world cross country gold medallist, has bounced back brilliantly this year after injury wrecked her chances of competing in the London Marathon.
"I never underestimate African runners but I'm not afraid of them," said Johnson of the clash with her highly-experienced Kenyan rival.
"This will be a good race for me to win before I travel to the United States and compete over there."
Aniko Kalovics and Jessica Augusto, from Hungary and Portugal respectively, will be aiming to repeat their previous podium finishes.
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