Top-5 U.S. Women To Watch At The 2013 New York City Marathon

Who will be the top American in the Big Apple on Sunday?

Much like Ryan Hall’s withdrawal from the men’s field, Kara Goucher’s notable absence from this year’s New York City Marathon will make things interesting amongst the U.S. women entered in Sunday’s race. The Americans will be led by 2012 Olympians Amy Hastings and Janet Bawcom — who finished fourth and fifth, respectively, at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon but later made the team in the 10,000m — with marathon up-and-comers Alisha Williams (2:34:58 to win Cal International last December) and Mattie Suver, who is running just her second marathon. Adriana Nelson, the reigning U.S. half-marathon champion whose marathon PR dates back to 2008, should also be in the mix in the top American entrants.

While a win or finishing on the podium seem unlikely, placing a few runners in the top 10 is a strong possibility. Here’s a look at the top five American women to watch on Sunday.

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