The Chicago 1/2 Marathon and the NYC 1/2 Marathon saw some fast finishes this year, and as American distance runners are stepping it up, the international running community gets ready for the men’s and women’s marathon finals in Berlin at the World IAAF Championships.



I’m continually impressed with Kara Goucher and Ryan Hall as they’re challenged by the marathon distance, and I know that I’m not the only one. Kara seems to be on the path to greatness with distance running, and has caught the eye of her international competition. Last week, one of the great American distance runners, and author, Amby Burfoot explained his thoughts on Kara’s increasing momentum in the sport and expects big things to happen at Worlds:

“I’m even more excited and impressed about Goucher’s next race–the World Championships Marathon for Women in Berlin in two weeks. She’s going where no other top U.S. female marathoner has gone before. Our top runners typically pay little attention to the World meet. It’s not the Olympics, after all, it’s too often held in warm weather in midsummer, and it doesn’t pay the kinds of fees elite athletes are accustomed to.

Apparently Goucher is ready to overlook these issues. Good for her.”

In fact, there hasn’t been an American on the women’s podium at World’s for the marathon since Marianne Dickerson (she finished second in 1983; Grete Waitz won the event that year). This seems like it is more than enough motivation for Goucher to race intelligently and take home a medal for America in Berlin. (Goucher faces plenty of competition without having Paula Radcliffe in the race from Ethiopia to China, including Dire Tune, who outran Kara in the Boston Marathon 2009.)

On top of this drive for Kara to win in Berlin, there’s the added potential of a race against Paula Radcliffe. I like to think these two women have a friendly rivalry that began when Kara out kicked Paula in the Bupa Great North Run 1/2 Marathon, an even that Paula has dominated in the past. Paula is having trouble deciding weather or not she will race at Worlds (she has recently had bunion surgery on her foot), but had a solid race in the 09 New York City 1/2 Marathon. In an interview with Runner’s World Paula told the world that she felt strong, but tight after the 1/2 marathon in New York. She seemed confident and excited about completing the New York “Set” (racing The Mile, The Mini, The 1/2, and The Full). I am anxiously awaiting her answer on whether or not she will join Kara on the start line at Worlds. At least she’s already in Berlin!