Noel looks to defend title in Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Published Jun. 3, 2017 6:18 p.m. ET

SAN DIEGO (AP) Eric Noel of San Luis Obispo will try to defend his title in the 20th running of the Rock `n' Roll Marathon on Sunday while Meb Keflezighi will pace the 90-minute half-marathon group.

Noel won last year in 2 hours, 26 minutes, 5 seconds. His personal best is 2:21:05. He'll be challenged by Jeffery Eggleston, whose PR is 2:10:52. Eggleston won the Lima Marathon two weeks ago in 2:15:02.

Keflezighi, the only runner to win the Boston Marathon, New York Marathon and an Olympic marathon medal, returns to pace the 90-minute half-marathon group.

Also returning is 94-year-old Harriette Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina. Two years ago she became the oldest woman to finish a marathon at the age of 92. On Sunday, she's looking to become the oldest woman to finish a half-marathon.