Defending champ Caroline Rotich is back, and she'll battle a deep field that is devoid of any studs. Dubai champ Tirfi Tsegaye (LRC World #1 in '14), Amsterdam/Honolulu champ Joyce Chepkirui and Buzunesh Deba (who finished 2nd behind doper Rita Jeptoo in '14) plus several others will look to wrest the crown from Rotich. Neely Spence Gracey (debut) and Sarah Crouch are the lone U.S. pros.

Ethiopians Endeshaw Negesse and Birhane Dibaba got the Major marathon season underway with their first major wins as Stephen Kiprotich was a hero in second, Tariku Bekele bombed in his debut, Japanese twitter went nuts over the marathon, and Lauren Kleppin took a shot at greatness but bombed. We break it down.

Tiki Gelana hasn't run a good marathon since her 2012 Olympic victory but has an excellent shot to resurrect her career in this less than stellar field. 2014 runner-up Birhane Dibaba (2:22:30 pb) and 2014 Paris/Commonwealth champ Flomena Cheyech Daniel of Kenya (2:22:44) should provide some competition, as will debutante Selly Chepyego (bronze at World Half Champs). American 2:28er Lauren Kleppin is basically guaranteed her first career top 10 showing at a major in this small 10-woman elite field.