Chicago Marathon 2013: Last-Minute Preview Before Sunday's Race

Maybe somebody should tell the participants in the 2013 Chicago Marathon that if they want to see downtown Chicago, they can just drive a car. They don't have to resort to pushing their bodies to their physical limits.

Thousands of distance runners have descended on the "Windy City" to conquer the grueling 26-mile course. You'll have a mix of those who are actually trying to win and the more casual runners who are looking to complete a life goal and forever have the honor that comes with finishing a marathon.

Tsegaye Kebede won the men's race last year, setting a course record of two hours, four minutes and 38 seconds. However, he's not taking part in this year's competition, so the field is wide open. A lot of talented runners are competing with the title up for grabs.

It will be interesting to see who will break the tape at the finish line.

Here's a quick preview with everything you need to know for the 2013 Chicago Marathon.

When: Sunday, October 13

Watch: NBC 5 Chicago

Live Stream: NBCChicago.com

Listen: 670 The Score

The Course and Rules (via Chicago Marathon's official website)

Runners will travel 26.2 miles through the heart of downtown Chicago. The race begins and ends in Grant Park as the racers weave their way across the cityscape and along the Lake Michigan coastline. It would be a great opportunity for pictures and sightseeing if it weren't a race and all.

You can view the full course map here.

The runners will have six hours and 30 minutes to complete the race. That averages out to about 15 minutes per mile. Those who fail to make that time limit won't be recorded as officially finishing the race and will be presumably at the mercy of Chicago drivers, as the roads will open up to the public again after that time threshold.

Runners to Watch

Dathan Ritzenhein

At last year's Chicago Marathon, Ritzenhein ran a time of 2:07.47. While that was only good enough for ninth, he set a personal best and became the third-fastest American marathoner of all time.

What's even cooler is that he was born in western Michigan. It's not all that far of a trip for him and his family. He will get a nice boost when he looks through the mass of people and spots some of his supporters.

Moses Mosop

Before Kebede broke the record last year, Moses Mosop was the record holder, after he finished with a time of 2:05.37. A lingering injury he picked up last year kept him out of the 2012 race, thus ending any chance he had at defending his crown.

Kebede's absence will take some of the drama out, as it would have been cool to see the last two winners go head to head.

However, it just clears the way for Mosop. He's back to full health and ready to take back the title. He'll be one of the favorites.

Atsede Baysa and Rita Jeptoo

One reigning champion will be defending her crown: Atsede Baysa. She won the women's title in what would be the closest finish in race history.

With such a large field, it's hard to highlight two racers. That's exactly what you could have this year, as Baysa will be looking to hold off Rita Jeptoo, who finished second last year. Finishing that close to the winner must have stung. She can get the last laugh with a win this year.

While the women's field is deep, don't be surprised to see these two right up near the lead once again.