Kara Goucher of Portland,Oregon will defend her 1500m title at the Jerome Classic on Sunday. This bronze medalist in the 2007 World Championships has remarkable credentials ranging from the 1500m to the marathon. This Olympian who took third in the NY Marathon last fall in 2h25:53, has bests of 30:55.16 in the 10km, 14:55.02 at 5km and 4:05.14 at 1500m. She is coached by the famed Alberto Salazar who wants to peak her speed before the US Championships. Last year she won the Jerome to 4:06.17. This 30 year old Colorado graduate will face a tremendously strong field this year lead by our Canadian Olympian, Malindi Elmore. She has a personal best of 4:02.64 and after several season marred by injury,this Kelowna native opened the 2009 season with a sparkling 4:06.54 in New York last month. This Stanford graduate will be joined by Kenyan, Sally Kipyego who with both track and cross country NCAA crowns to her credit will be a threat with her personal best of 4:06.67.
