The Chicago Marathon is on Sunday (10-11-15) and we have a team of badass babes that we will be cheering on for all 26.2 miles! The course is notoriously known to be fast and these women are all on a personal quest to get the most out of themselves on race day! Read on to learn about their goals and how to track them on race day.
Eli Carlson (Bib #6989)
Eli may claim that she “just wants to have a fun and experience a great marathon,” but we know she also has a hankering for speed! Last fall she raced NYC Marathon and looks to beat that time in Chi-town. After several months of solid training, our mini powerhouse is ready to roll!
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Deena Kastor (#103)
After tying the World Master’s 5K record (15:48) two weeks ago at Rock n Roll San Jose, Deena is fired up to motor again in Chicago. 10 years after winning the 2005 Chicago Marathon, Deena is aiming for the World Master’s Marathon record of 2:28:40. (She currently holds every master’s world record from 5K to Half Marathon)! Deena has spent the last several months doing marathon specific training at 8,000 feet elevation in Mammoth Lakes, running miles alongside Morgan (pictured below) on gorgeous mountain trails while talking about everything from wildlife to what’s for dinner. Deena cites an emphasis on teammates, beautiful scenery and recovery for her longevity in the sport.
Sarah Attar (#352)
This month’s Women’s Running cover girl and 2012 Olympian (the first woman ever to compete for Saudi Arabia!) heads into Chicago with her trademark smile that gives away nothing about the fact that she is aiming for a big personal best time. Sarah trains in Mammoth Lakes under Coach Andrew Kastor (who also coaches Deena and Morgan), but is currently in San Diego for a sea level training stint where she had a chance to grab acai bowls at Beaming with Eli! Read the full Women’s Running article about Sarah here.
Monica Prelle (#373)
Monica is a freelance writer with a newly completed Masters Degree in Journalism from Havard. An avid outdoors-woman based in Mammoth Lakes, she has competed in Snowboarding, skied the back country and takes girls-only rock climbing trips, although most recently has honed in her focus on running. With a new marathon PR under Coach Kastor at the LA Marathon this spring (yes, there is a trend), she is fit and confident for another fast race this weekend. Monica shares her “Newbie Marathon Questions” with Visit Mammoth and gives a nod to the currexSole RUNPRO which she has trained in leading up to this race!
Monica, Morgan and Alexi Pappas are pictured running above in an image captured by Sarah Attar at over 11,000 feet elevation!
Amanda Burrill (#20451)
September Runner’s World cover model Amanda Burrill (who is also a Travel Channel Host, Navy Vet, journalist and trained chef) shared an inside look at her Chicago Marathon training and life during a SMACK! Media Instagram takeover. We love that she is using MarcPro and currexSole to keep her ready to toe the line healthy! For race week travel tips check out Amanda’s interview with Runner’s World here.
Tune in to NBC Chicago on Sunday at 7am CDT to watch these incredible women run towards their goals in Chicago meanwhile following some of the best athletes in the sport of running. Sign up for individual athlete tracking here.