Is Rotterdam worthy of WMM Status? Rotterdam has four men who've run sub-2:05 and eight men who have gone sub-2:07, including last year's runner-up Bernard Koech and '11 WC bronze medalist Feyisa Lilesa. Paris is wide open as 13 men have broken 2:08; 12:51/26:51 man Vincent Chepkok will also run in his 2nd career marathon.

His top competition will be Vincent Kipruto (2:05:13). CR holder Meselech Melkamu (2:21:01) leads women's field as she faces Aberu Kebede (2:20:30) and Sharon Cherop (2:22:28).