As the 7am starting horn sounded on this pleasantly cool (13C) Friday morning in the UAE’s northern-most emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the sense of anticipation was almost tangible with world class elite fields gathered of unprecedented depth. At Thursday’s pre-race press conference, the big names were very reluctant to give anything away, illnesses and injuries mentioned by several, and one got the clear impression that cards were being kept well up the sleeves of various tracksuit tops.

CHICAGO –The Bank of America Chicago Marathon today announced that U.S. Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein will return to the site of his breakthrough performance by competing in the 36^th annual event on October 13. Last fall, the Midwest native thrilled his regional fan base by finishing as the top American in Chicago and improving his marathon best by more than two minutes. His decision to return is fueled by the desire to set his sights even higher in 2013. Before culminating with the Chicago Marathon, Ritzenhein will kick off his outdoor racing season at the 34^th Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K on April 7, marking his first appearance at Chicago’s popular spring road race.

World silver medallist Vincent Kipruto is the fastest man in the field that has been announced for the 68th Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, on March 3.

Leading apparel and footwear company signs three-year title partnership with LA race - LOS ANGELES, Calif. (February 12, 2013)—ASICS is the new title sponsor of the LA Marathon. Through 2015, the company will lend its name and support to the city’s premier running event, now called the ASICS LA Marathon, which is growing in prominence nationally and internationally thanks to the world-class and iconic Stadium to the Sea course.