MEN’S OPEN: The overall champion has come from this division every year.  While not yet formally entered, Starkey (left) has committed to the race and is the clear favorite.  He’s been running, hiking, and recently completed a 3000 mile solo bicycle tour.  Top-5 fixtures Jason Metakis and Ben Stanley could make this a very tight duel, while Gibson, Marc Metakis, Alec Bohn and Jacob Gittler may also contend.
DARK HORSE:  Brian DeGroat
CONTENDER NOT YET HEARD FROM:  2009 Runner-up Jon Richardson

WOMEN’S OPEN: Two-time division winner and course record holder Deborah Nordyke (left) will win easily.  At 48, Nordyke could enter the master’s and still be able to qualify for the “Janny” but chooses to take on the elite runners.  Newcomer Shelly Flones, and the continually improving Stephanies of Vermont (Lylis and Konowitz) will be chasing silver and bronze.
DARK HORSE:  Cecilia Disney
CONTENDER NOT YET HEARD FROM:  Marcie Kobak

MEN’S MASTERS: While Kobak (left) should cruise to his second win in as many years, the field is packed with sub-three hour finishers.  Two-time champion Jerry Ross and race rookie Franz Haas will be medal threats, while former champs Tom Lynch and Tim Singer will be on the outside looking in.
DARK HORSE:  Gerald Duprey
CONTENDER NOT YET HEARD FROM:  Don Stauffer

WOMEN’S MASTERS: Gone are the days when you merely had to enter to win a ribbon.  The field is the largest, and most competitive ever.  Defending champion Pam Gonzalez (left) will see improvement, but will lose out to marathon veteran Ellie Madden.  Also vying for the top prize will be Mary Duprey and Mary Peabody but, like Madden, could suffer from unfamiliarity with the course..
DARK HORSE:  2001 Champion Judy Bisaillon and Kathleen Wiley.
CONTENDER NOT YET HEARD FROM:  2008 Champion Susie Trzaskos

CLYDESDALE: Ken Ryba (left) continues to get smaller, and faster.  His goal this year is to approach or better three hours, and he’ll still have plenty in the weight bank to handicap a victory, his third in the division.  John Regentin will post the division’s fastest time and finish second.  Ken Herz will see improvement, thanks to the P90X® training plan.
DARK HORSE:  Josh Bornt
CONTENDER NOT YET HEARD FROM:  Matt Elliott

KINDERSPRINT: This should be a classic dual, with the top finishers from 2009 (left) returning.  Jackson Konowitz pulled away at the end for the victory, but he’ll be pushed once again by Jon Shreiner, and an improved Luke Moffett.
DARK HORSE:  Catherine Zimmerman
CONTENDER NOT YET HEARD FROM:  Ethan Daley

TREKKER: No competition here, of course, but the masses will be vying for personal goals.  For some, following the training plan, that goal is four hours.  Expect Andrew Spaulding, Tricia Woodward, Peter Joelson, Brandi Bornt, Chris Bell and Mike Taptick to challenge the mark.  Expect Phil Corell and Christine Bourjade to cheat.
DARK HORSE:  Mimi Petrovich
CONTENDER NOT YET HEARD FROM:  Nora Canning