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Summary Liliya Shobukhova will attempt to win fourth consecutive Chicago Marathon women's title on Sunday.
Russias Liliya Shobukhova will attempt to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Chicago Marathon womens title in Sundays 35th running of the event.Shobukhova, unbeaten in three Chicago starts, was unable to finish the London Olympic marathon in August due to stomach cramps but will be among the elite favorites in a field of 45,000 runners that will compete Sunday morning.It was heartbreaking to withdraw from the Olympic Marathon after I had trained so hard and my preparation had gone so well, Shobukhova said.But I am still very fit and in good health. Im going to focus all my energy on a great performance at the Chicago Marathon.Shobukhova ran the third-fastest time in history last year to win in 2 hours 18 mins 20 secs.Theres no place that I feel more comfortable than when I am competing in Chicago, she said. I love the course and appreciate the support from the fans. Im especially motivated to win for the fourth time in a row.The Russians rivals will include Kenyas Lucy Kabuu, who owns a personal best of 2:19:34, and Ethiopians Ejegayehu Dibaba, last years runner-up in 2:22:09, and Weknesh Kidane, the 2003 world runner-up.On the mens side, Kenyas Wesley Korir, last years Chicago runner-up and this years Boston Marathon champion, will be a favorite.Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede, third in the 2008 Olympic marathon, and Kenyas Levy Matebo, whose 2:05:16 from last year in Frankfurt is the fastest time in the field, are also expected to contend for the mens title.
