Olympic Women Await Beijing 26.2-Step

As I write, it's about 28-29 hours until the women begin their Olympic Marathon in Beijing. It's anybody's guess who will win, but if there's one thing I've learned over the year, there's always a surprise or two (Deena Kastor getting bronze in 2004) when these races are run. NBC (Channel 5) supposedly will carry it live at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night. I'm betting they don't show it all, but I guess we have wait and see. My pick? This a tough one. Will Kenyan Catherine Ndereba's experience prove to be decisve? Will Zhou Chunxiu of China have the home-course advantage? You never count out Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain or Gete Wami of Ethiopia. Reiko Tosa is Japan's last real hope. Deena Kastor? You know she'll try for something special. Hope for clean air and cool temps. OK . . . . I'll take Chunxiu.