Tseguay, Worku and Korir head up 'best field ever' for Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon

The Canadian land soil record of 2:07:05 is likely to fall at this year's IAAF silver label Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon with five of the top contenders boasting personal bests under 2:07.

The fastest man in the field, Yemane Tseguay of Ethiopia holds a personal best time of 2:04:48, and recently won the 2014 Daegu International Marathon on April 6th (2:06:50). Another Ethiopian Bazu Worku has a personal best time of 2:05:25. 2012 Boston Marathon champ, and two-time Los Angeles Marathon winner Wesley Korir of Kenya is also one to watch with his personal best time of 2:06:13.

Women's field is equally impressive

The women's course record of 2:25:31 is also up for grabs with Ethiopian Ehitu Kiros and Kenyan Agnes Kiprop, both with personal bests under 2:24, lining up on May 25. Kiros' compatriot Etalemahu Kidane, who holds a PB of 2:25:49 will also be looking for that first place finish and $20,000 prize purse.

On the Canadian front

Canadians will also be well represented at this year's event, which also serves as the Canadian Marathon Championships.

After having to pull out of last year's Ottawa Marathon due to injury, Eric Gillis will finally run the Ottawa Marathon following two big wins at the Yonge Street 10K and the Canadian Half-Marathon Championships held at the Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal. Gillis' best time of 2:11:29 qualified him for the 2012 London Olympics

Rob Watson, the current Canadian Marathon Champion, is returning to defend his title.

On the women's front, the top contender is Rhiannon Johns of Sault Ste-Marie, who boasts a personal best of 2:40:24 and is lining up in Ottawa for the first time.

Facts:

• Last year, course records were produced in both the men's and women's races as the Ethiopian pair of Tariku Jufar (2:08:05) and Yeshi Esayias (2:25:31) won their respective races.
• Rob Watson won the 2013 Canadian Marathon Championships with a time of 2:18:33
• The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is the only event in the world to host two IAAF silver-label events in two days - the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon and the Lowertown Brewery Ottawa 10K
• The first male and the first female winner receive $20,000 (USD)
• The person to beat the Canadian land soil record receives $10,000 (USD) and a Hyundai Sante Fe

Additional information:

• Wesley Korir Leads Best Field Ever At Ottawa Marathon by Paul Gains
• Backgrounder - Top 12 registered elites for the 2014 Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon
• Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon records and prizes
• Top Canadian runners set to duel at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Quotes:

"It's the best field we've ever assembled in Ottawa. If the weather cooperates, a Canadian soil record is definitely in the cards for May 25th." - Manny Rodrigues, Elite Athlete Coordinator

"Ottawa is going to be an incredible competitive field. I think Ottawa has done a great job in recruiting the best athletes. It will give me an opportunity to compete and try to win the race. My first goal is to win the race." - Wesley Korir

"I'm very happy with how the return to workouts has gone. I'm feeling more on top of my game than I've felt in years. This has got me eager to really start rockin' and rollin' this Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon buildup. Ottawa is a race I've had my heart set on for years, the first ever marathon I watched live. 2014 is the year I finally compete and complete this great race!" - Eric Gillis