Olympian Tegenkamp joins Chicago Marathon field

The United States just improved its chances at winning the Chicago Marathon for the first time in 11 years. U.S. Olympian Matt Tegenkamp announced Thursday that he will attempt the 26.2 mile distance for the first time at the 2013 race.

Tegenkamp is a two-time Olympian and a three-time IAAF World Track and Field champion at the 5,000 and 10,000 meter distances. His commitment to the race, along with U.S. Olympic teammate Dathan Ritzenhein, creates an unprecedented American duo for Chicago’s race.

“With Matt and Dathan on the start line, the U.S. has the strongest one-two punch in the history of the Chicago Marathon,” said Carey Pinkowski, executive race director for the marathon,

Khalid Khannouchi, in 2002, was the last American to win the race.

“I know that Chicago will provide a great course, electric fans, and amazing competition,” Tegenkamp said, “which will provide the perfect stage for me to take on one of the toughest events in sports.”

The 36th Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 13 in Grant Park. For more information about the race, visit www.chicagomarathon.com.