Kebede And Kidane Among Talented Group Of International Athletes Set To Compete For 2012 Bank Of America Chicago Marathon Crown

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon today announced its full elite athlete field for the event’s 35 ^th running on October 7. Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Kebede tops a stacked roster of athletes hungry for a breakthrough performance on Chicago’s international stage, while the women’s field welcomes, among others, Werknesh Kidane of Ethiopia, coming off a fourth-place finish in the 10,000-meter race at the London Olympics. These athletes join previously announced 2012 Boston Marathon champion and Chicago runner-up Wesley Korir of Kenya, three-time U.S. Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein, and three-time defending champion Liliya Shobukhova of Russia.

“The men’s field is the deepest we’ve ever had in Chicago, and I think it will take a career performance to win on October 7,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. “In the women’s field, with the addition of Werknesh Kidane, you are looking at some of the most talented athletes on the planet, each of whom will be trying to figure out a way to beat Liliya Shobukhova on what has become her home course. These are going to be magnificent races to help celebrate the Chicago Marathon’s 35 ^th anniversary.”

Kebede returns to Chicago after a memorable duel against the late Sammy Wanjiru at the 2010 race. During the Olympic champion’s brief but spectacular period of dominance in the sport, Kebede, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, was Wanjiru’s most famous opponent, with the 2010 Chicago Marathon being the pinnacle of their rivalry. He’ll be joined by countrymen Feyisa Lilesa, the 2011 World Championship bronze medalist; 2:05 performers Dadi Yami and Shami Dawit; 2012 Paris Marathon runner-up Raji Assefa; and Tilahun Regassa in his highly anticipated debut.

Kenya’s Levy Matebo is the fastest entrant in the field, with a 2:05:16 performance at the 2011 Frankfurt Marathon. He’ll challenge fellow Kenyan Wesley Korir, who came from behind to steal victory away from him at the 2012 Boston Marathon. The Kenyan contingent also includes 2012 Tokyo Marathon champion Michael Kipyego, 2011 Chicago Marathon runner-up Bernard Kipyego, 2011 Amsterdam Marathon runner-up Laban Korir, 2012 Lake Biwa Marathon champion Samuel Ndungu, and Sammy Kitwara, the fifth-fastest half marathon performer of all time.

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