Six-time Paralympic gold medallist David Weir - known as the Weirwolf of London - will lead the contingent of world-class contenders coming to challenge Fearnley in Australia this summer.

Fearnley is aiming to set a 1500-metres qualifying time for the Commonwealth Games in Canberra, giving him the golden ticket to Glasgow to defend his title in July.

The four-time Paralympian intends the 2016 Rio Games to be his last and the 32-year-old insists his drive to succeed is as strong as ever.

But having been just 100 metres from bomb blasts at last year's Boston Marathon, which killed three people and injured almost 300, Fearnley also has a new perspective on competition. He plans to return and compete at the Boston Marathon this April, undeterred by last year's tragedy.

''When things go pear-shaped like that, you really know how much you have in common with these guys and how much you appreciate them and how close you actually are,'' Fearnley said of his athletic rivals.

''When shit gets serious you know that racing by far is a small part of the person you're up against.

''Sometimes you hate that person, because they're the thing that's standing between you and what you want. So you do have that animosity.

''There's a niggle in all competitors, you all have moments where you've thrown an elbow into someone or a moment where things have got intense. But there's a respect as well. Boston is definitely on the horizon, making sure I go back there.''

Weir, Britain's hero of the 2012 London Paralympics with four gold medals, is coming Down Under to take on Fearnley in Canberra and the Australia Day 10 kilometres in Sydney, where Fearnley is aiming for his 10th straight victory.

The world class field will also include Switzerland's Marcel Hug, American Paralympic gold medallist Josh George and Canadian champion Josh Cassidy.

''You don't get any better,'' Fearnley said.

''You could race around the world all year and you'd be travelling to meet these absolute best in the world for wheelchair racing.''

Fearnley has been in heavy training to recover from a shoulder injury, but he intends to be hitting his top speed at Canberra's AIS Track during Tuesday's and Wednesday's sessions.

''It'd be nice to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Canberra, I'm hoping for the shot to defend my title from Delhi [2010],'' Fearnley said.

''I've got three more years (of Paralympic competition). I've still got that hunger (for success) bad, I enjoy what I'm doing and I want it.

''I don't think I'll race for Australia at a Games again (after Rio), but hopefully I'll run for the rest of my life.

''The environment of those marathons around the world, it's part of who I am.''

Canberra's Angela Ballard, Michaela Dingley and Richard Nicholson will also compete at next week's meeting.

■ SUMMER DOWN UNDER SERIES

At the AIS Track, January 21-22, 5.30-8.30pm, free entry