Chicago Marathon Adds and Subtracts from American Elite Field

By Adam Kopet

Laura Thweatt announced on Instragram that she will race next month's Chicago Marathon.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Ready to finish what I started. ———————————————————— Last October I stood on a starting line that marked the finish line to an injury that at one point I thought I’d never completely heal from. But 10 miles into what was supposed to be my comeback I was faced with a decision that any athlete dreads making. An Achilles flare up had been plaguing the last few weeks of my block but I refused to see anything past the 26.2 miles that I had been building back towards for nearly a year. Despite this injury I really did believe that I could still get out there and have that perfect day. Unfortunately my body believed differently and I was forced to withdraw not even half way through the race. So of course the only thing I’ve wanted since that heartbreaking moment was a shot at redemption. And I was fortunate enough to get that shot. Or at least so I thought. ———————————————————- In early June, a week after finalizing my decision to return and race this marathon, I was diagnosed with a grade four calcaneus stress fracture. However, getting knocked down is a funny thing because sometimes it can remind you just how strong you really are. In that moment I decided that I had overcome too many things to completely give up on my A goal of returning to Chicago. I knew it would be a tricky road with plenty more speed bumps and detours, but I also knew if I worked my butt off in the pool, in the gym, on the Alter G, and eventually back out on the road, and got there healthy and strong, that anything was still possible. So I’m happy to announce that I’m back training healthy and will be returning on October 13th to run the 2019 @chimarathon Without the tireless work of @marcusallenhille @clee_performance @drrichardhansen and @joebosshard I wouldn’t be a shot. So thank you for helping me keep this dream alive. Now let’s really do this thing :) #mychicagomarathon #4.5weekstogo #runforgood 📸 @trappephoto

A post shared by Laura Thweatt (@lthweatt) on Sep 11, 2019 at 10:24am PDT

Thweatt ran 2:25:38 to finish sixth at the 2017 London Marathon. That ranks her eighth on the U.S. all-time performer list.

Thweatt, who has struggled with injuries in the past year, has recovered most recently from a stress fracture in her heel in June.

Dathan Ritzenhein also made a Chicago Marathon announcement on Instagram, but it was not as positive. He has withdrawn with injury.

 

 

 

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I’m still smiling even though I’m disappointed to announce I’m forced to withdrawal from this years @chimarathon. It’s a tough business we are in. I’ve pushed my body hard for 20+ years. 80,000+ miles of wear and tear, and pushing the limit are are part of the game. Some chronic foot problems I’ve dealt with for years flared up some other areas and I need to let it heal up and prepare for the Olympic Trials later this winter. While I’ve been knocked down many times with injuries over the years, I never stay on the mat for long! I get back up and ready for more. I want to thank my friends at the @chimarathon for their invitation to run. To all my support team who have helped me everyday, @drjasonross @endurancerehabilitation. My sponsors @brooksrunning and @genucan, coaches and training partners @hansonsbrooksodp. And to all my fans who have continued their support over the years!

A post shared by Dathan Ritzenhein (@djritzenhein) on Sep 16, 2019 at 2:00pm PDT

Ritzenhein stands fourth on the U.S. all-time performer list in the marathon, having run 2:07:47 for ninth at the 2012 Chicago Marathon.

The three-time Olympian is a former American record holder at 5,000 meters, having run 12:56.27 in 2009. That still ranks him third on the U.S. all-time performer list.