CHICAGO — Two defending champions will highlight the deepest field of elite runners to date when the 33rd Chicago Marathon begins on Sunday. The field includes Russia’s Liliya Shobukhova and Kenyan Sammy Wanjiru. Both won last year’s race.
Also expected to race are Steve Jones and Joan Benoit Samuelson, who were Chicago champions 25 years ago. Jones is making a recreational run while 52-year-old Benoit Samuelson is trying to qualify for a fifth straight U.S. Olympic trials in the marathon if she finishes in 2 hours, 46 minutes or lower.
Mayor Richard M. Daley says amateurs will swell the field to 45,000 people. “We’re really fortunate in America to have great business leaders, corporate leaders,” said Daley, who was accepted a $500,000 charitable donation for after-school fitness programs from Bank of America.
The bank also said it would honor runners who raise the largest sums for charity with an award named after Daley and his wife, Maggie. Race officials say marathon participants account for up to $10 million in annual charitable contributions.
Coppied by http://www.101worldnews.com/2010/10/10/chicago-marathon-big-crowds/
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