Ben Flanagan watched the Chicago Marathon last weekend with greater focus and attention to detail than previous years, primarily for research purposes long-term, but also in preparation for his Toronto Waterfront debut on Sunday morning.

“A lot of guys I’ve competed against ran well, which is intimidating and exciting," said the native of Kitchener, Ont. "I feel they are a few steps ahead of me because I’m so new to this.

“Guys with similar resumés to me are enjoying a lot of [marathon] success, so it is encouraging.”

One of them, Alex Masai of Kenya, trains with HOKA Northern Arizona Elite. He posted a personal-best time of two hours four minutes 37 seconds for third place in Chicago. Back in March, Masai finished sixth at the New York City Half Marathon, one spot and 14 seconds ahead

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