Twin Cities Hosts 2005 US Marathon Championships

Posted Wednesday, September 28, 2005

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The Twin Cities Marathon plays host to the USATF Marathon Championships Sunday, October 2. This race also provides an early opportunity to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Trials Marathon. General qualifying doesn't begin until January 1, 2006. Over $200,000 in prize money is available, mostly reserved for American athletes.

The current American elite are notably missing from this race, but a huge field of rising stars are all gunning for breakthrough performances. The legendary 48 year old Joan Benoit Samuelson adds a big veteran name to the field as she attempts to return to form after 2 years of injuries. (Editor's note - I will be seeing the same doctor who did Joan Benoit's knee surgery just 2 weeks before she won the 1984 Olympic Trials. I'm hoping for a similar miraculous comeback with my achilles, seeing the doctor just 9 days before my marathon - Craig)

In the men's masters race, new American Mbarak Hussein is favored to win, and is expected to be a serious contender for the overall victory as well.