Jay Donawa faces a baptism by fire when he rubs shoulders with the world?s elite in cross-country running tomorrow.

The five-time back-to-back local champion will measure his ability against global top guns on the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships? 12 kilometre course in Paris, France.

?I?m not kidding myself. I know the level of competition will be far greater than I?ve ever had,? the 32-year-old said before leaving the Island.

Recently back from a decent performance in the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association?s (NACAC) Cross-Country Championship in Florida, Donawa?s only goal for the Worlds is ?to run as hard as I can and see what happens?.

Seeing how he stacks up internationally, he noted, will give him an indication of what and how much he needs to do to improve.