The 2012 Marathon
The Men's Marathon looks to be a contest between the Kenyans and the Ethiopians who come in having run 5 of the fastest times in the world, ever. The field will include Wilson Kipsang (Kenya), Ayele Abshero (Ethiopia), Dino Sefir (Ethiopia), and Getu Feleke (Ethiopia) who have all run under 2 hours and 5 minutes. Notably, however, the world record holder Patrick Makau (Kenya) was left off of the roster for reasons unknown to the international sporting community. On the American side a trio of men hope to break into the medals and fare admirably at the 2012 Olympics. Abdi Abdirahman, who finished 2nd at the 2004 Olympic Marathon, Ryan Hall, the face of American Marathoning, and Meb Keflezighi, a dark horse, will all be representing the United States in this year's race.
On the women's side the woman to beat is Great Britain's on Paula Radcliffe (pictured in the sunglasses at top) who holds the women's world record of 2:15:25. She will be chased by a host of Africans as well as some surprise Americans who have turned in some outstanding times so far this year. Among these, defending 10,000 meter bronze medalist Shalene Flanagan and Desiree "Dezi" Davila will hope to challenge for a medal. American Kara Goucher will also be in the hunt, although she is a bit of an unknown as a new mother who only started running again this past year.
On the women's side the woman to beat is Great Britain's on Paula Radcliffe (pictured in the sunglasses at top) who holds the women's world record of 2:15:25. She will be chased by a host of Africans as well as some surprise Americans who have turned in some outstanding times so far this year. Among these, defending 10,000 meter bronze medalist Shalene Flanagan and Desiree "Dezi" Davila will hope to challenge for a medal. American Kara Goucher will also be in the hunt, although she is a bit of an unknown as a new mother who only started running again this past year.