The World Marathon Majors are set to get going again this year, with two of the races falling on the same weekend.
Normally, the London Marathon and the Boston Marathon are about a week apart, but this year they fall on the same weekend.
Here’s who to keep an eye out for in the Boston Marathon:
For the men, the obvious choice to watch to be near the front is Robert Cheruiyot the Younger. How can you not put the course record holder who is returning to defend his title right at the top of the list? Last year he smashed Robert Cheruiyot the Elder’s course record by a minute and a half with his 2:05:51.
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Also keep an eye out for Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya, who ran the second fastest marathon in the world in 2010 with a 2:04:55. Hopefully Ryan Hall will have a good showing and will be up front mixing it up with the lead pack; with Meb pulling out of the race he stands the best chance for an American Victory.
The women’s race is going to be very competitive, with 3 past champions of the race toeing the line. This shouldn’t be too surprising though, since in the last 3 years there have been a total of 5 seconds separating 1st and 2nd place. Last year’s winner Teyba Erkesso will be there, as will the 2008 champion Dire Tune and 4 time champion Catherine Ndereba.
I think that there’s a great opportunity for the American Women to do well this year, with Kara Goucher running strong coming into the race after having given birth to her son late last year and Desiree Davila is coming into the race with the fastest marathon in the US in 2010. I also expect to see 2008 Olympian Blake Russell near the front, along with Kim Smith of New Zealand who runs out of Rhode Island.
Joanie will also be out on the course, probably doing fairly well in the master’s race and gunning for another age group record.
I have a lot of friends that will be running, so rather than risk missing anybody I’ll just say good luck to everybody on Monday, and I’ll be cheering you on from my usual spot near the Young at Heart statue over by Heartbreak Hill.
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