Women’s Race Preview: Too Close To Call

By Sabrina Grotewold
Published Jan. 12, 2012

Serena Burla is a darkhorse heading into Saturday's Trials race. Photo: PhotoRun.net

The talent in this year's women's race stretches pretty deep. Photo: PhotoRun.net

The only predictable element of a marathon is the 26.2 mile distance.

Written by: Sabrina Grotewold

If predicting an Olympic marathon team were as simple as judging athletes based on their previous performances and what they’ve revealed to the media about their training and health leading up to the the Olympic Marathon Trials on Saturday in Houston, then the 2012 women’s team would likely be: Shalane Flanagan, Desiree Davila and—after a battle among veterans—either Deena Kastor or Magdalena Lewy Boulet. However, the only predictable element of a marathon is the 26.2 mile distance. The talent in the women’s race stretches pretty deep, and this warrants a synopsis of the top contenders to get a holistic look at who could vie for the top three.

FILED UNDER: Features / Race Coverage TAGS: Amy Hastings / Blake Russell / Deena Kastor / Desiree Davila / Janet Cherobon-Bawcom / Kara Goucher / Katie McGregor / Magdalena Lewy-Boulet / Serena Burla / Stephanie Rothstein / U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials / women's race preview

Sabrina Grotewold

Sabrina Grotewold is a senior editor for Competitor. Christened the Kitchen MacGyver by her husband, she’s determined to persuade people to eat their veggies.