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9 runners to watch at the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Deena Kastor — American marathon record holder Deena Kastor is returning to run on the 10th anniversary of her 2005 Chicago Marathon win. But this isn’t just a victory lap for her. She’s gunning for the women’s American Master’s record of 2:28:40 (set in that same Chicago Marathon in 2005). Kastor, 42, already has several Master’s road running records to her name. Last September, she shattered the half marathon record — and set new Master’s 10K, 15K, 10 Mile and 20K records along the way in the same race.

Deena/Joanie

Kastor, left, and Benoit Samuelson

Joan Benoit Samuelson — Kastor won’t be the only running legend out there this Sunday. As much as anyone else, Joan Benoit Samuelson made running what it is today. Her gold medal at the inaugural women’s Olympic marathon in 1984 was a boon for women’s running and an inspiration for a generation, and her win at the 1985 Chicago Marathon is arguably the most memorable in the race’s history. She’ll be returning to Chicago on the 30th anniversary of that win, in which she also set an American record of 2:21:21 — a record that stood until, you guessed it, Deena Kastor.

 

Florence Kiplagat — Kastor and Samuelson have the first and third fastest P.R.s of the women’s field. Florence Kiplagat rounds out the top three, and for many, she’s a favorite to win Sunday. The 28-year-old holds the world record in the half marathon, set last year.

 Tera Moody

Moody at the 2011 Olympic Trials in Houston

Tera Moody — Not every elite toeing the line Sunday is out to win. This is a major marathon for runners trying to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials in February in Los Angeles. Chicago is a notoriously fast course and one of the last opportunities before the qualifying window closes in January. Chicagoan Tera Moody is hoping to achieve the Olympic Trials “A” standard, which means she’d receive funding support for the race.

 

Danelle Beeson — Another Chicago runner, and a member of the Fleet Feet/Nike Racing Team, Danelle Beeson also has her eyes on the Olympic Trials. Beeson took on marathons after injuries through her collegiate running career. She talked about her training and journey with NBC Chicago last month.

Sara Hall — Sara Hall, wife of U.S. Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall, debuted at the marathon distance earlier this year, but battled through cramps to a 2:48:02. After a 1:10:49 half marathon this summer, she’s back and looking for a Olympic Trials qualifier. (Come out to Fleet Feet Sports at Saturday’s shakeout run and wish her good luck!)

The Elite Men — This year’s elite field features three men with P.R.s under 2:05 who will be running a very different race than in the past. This year, the Chicago Marathon has eliminated pacers, the “rabbits” who run with the leaders keeping them on pace for any desired record. Chicago is following the lead of the New York City and Boston marathons in dropping the pacesetters. Officials hope it will produce a more interesting race — more concentration, more strategy and more surprises.

 Dan Glaz

Glaz in Nike’s #OWNCHICAGO campaign

Dan Glaz — If you haven’t seen Dan Glaz on the race circuit this year, you might have seen him as part of Nike’s Chicago Marathon neighborhoods ad campaign. (He’s Old Town.) Glaz ran his first marathon at Chicago last year, then went on to place 29th overall at Boston. He’s also gunning for an Olympic qualifier. Glaz is also a member of the Fleet Feet/Nike Racing Team.

Brandon Mull — Brandon Mull is another Fleet Feet/Nike Racing Team member out to make it to the Trials. He’s been close before — just 14 seconds shy two years ago of the 2:18 standard.

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