Arizona State alum Amy Hastings ran the 3rd fastest debut by an American in the marathon on Sunday, running 2:27:03 to place second at the Los Angeles Marathon.  The Kansas native initially planned to run the Houston Marathon in January but postponed the effort due to a Achilles Tendon injury in the fall.  Hastings, who lead a good chunk of LA, is now the 8th fastest American of all time in the marathon and establishes herself as a contender for the Olympic Team that will be selected in Houston in January 2012. 

Among 2012 Olympic Trials Marathon qualifiers, Hastings ranks third behind Desiree Davilla (2:26:20 - Chicago 2010) and Magdalena Lewy-Boulet (2:26:22 - Rotterdam 2010).  The depth of women's Olympic Trials Marathon race is continuing to build in depth.  It is expected that, in addition to Flanagan, 5 of the top 6 Americans of all-time will step to the line ready to battle for a spot on the London team (Deena Kastor, Kara Goucher, Davilla, Lewy-Boulet, and Hastings).

You can watch a highlight of Amy's race can be seen here.  Amy currently trains under Terrence Mahon as a member of the Mammoth Track Club.