This Sunday the London Marathon gives American marathon star Ryan Hall the opportunity to become only the third American to ever win the London course. The field at the London Marathon will closely resemble the field at the Olympics this August and it is an important indicator who will compete for the gold in Beijing.

Although he has only run a few marathons, the distance running elite is quickly recognizing Hall as one of the best. In last years London Marathon, Hall’s marathon debut, Hall ran with the leaders until the end, finishing seventh. He dominated last falls Novembers U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in New York, winning by two plus minutes.

Hall also holds the American Half-Marathon record at 59:43, which he ran last year In Houston. He is representing the USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has a real chance to bring the marathon gold to the United States.

This is a big deal and a rare opportunity for American distance running. Fast thoughts to Hall.

Six Maasai warriors from northern Tanzania will also be running the 42.2-kilometre race, decked out in traditional red robes,wearing beads and carrying shields. Most likely they will be barefoot as well. They are raising money for their village.