CHICAGO, Oct 21: Kenya's Benjamin Maiyo has some unfinished business to take care of as he competes in the 29th Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

Maiyo, who placed second last year to fellow Kenyan Felix Limo, and Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot are two of the favourites to watch in the men's field of the 650,000 dollar event.

“Our philosophy is to get the best athletes we can, let them prepare, bring them in and turn them loose,” race director Carey Pinkowski said.

This year's men’s field is wide open as Limo pulled out with a sore back last week. Maiyo finished seven seconds behind Limo (2:07.02) in 2005.

It is familiar territory for Maiyo who has placed second in his last three marathons, including this year's Boston run. He also finished second in Los Angeles in 2005.

Two-time Boston Marathon champ Cheruiyot surged past Maiyo to win this year's Beantown event in a course record of 2hrs, 7mins, 14secs.

On the women's side, two runners to keep an eye on are Constantina Tomescu-Dita and Russian Ludmila Petrova. Defending Chicago champ Deena Kastor chose to run the New York Marathon instead.

Four of the women entered have run under 2:22 and a half dozen have bettered 2:25.—AFP