I will actually make a case for Chicago as the most interesting marathon field of 2017.
Much better than its last editions.
Berlin is very exciting with the three big guy, plus it will be interesting to see if Makau can still make some damage and exciting to check the Japanese runner on a possibly super fast half. But that's it.
Chicago looks very exciting for more reasons.
* You have both the Marathon and Half Marathon WR holders running what's arguably a "last attempt" to prove themselves - what kind of shapes are they in?
* You have a very interesting & accomplished defending champion which has been reported to be in great shape.
* Equally interesting and always an attraction is Feyisa Lilesa, who's been very consistent recently and is certainly a strong contender for winning.
* Galen Rupp seems to be in solid shape and will most probably setting his new PR.
* You have Stanley Biwott who's also enigmatic, the guy has been one of the best marathoners in the last few years but is struggling in 2017. Will this be his redemption or will he prove his decline?
* Best American field by far even considering Rupp another category. Particularly interested in Derrick's debut, best of luck to him.
* Some interesting "rising stars" contenders.
It is hard to match Berlin because of the three big guys, and it is also hard to believe that the Chicago race will turn to be as good as it is on paper. But it has a lot of potential in there, and if at least one or two guys in this field can deliver a performance on pair with their ceilings, then this should be a great race.