Can they lower course record?

Kenya's Geoffrey Kipkorir Kirui competes in the men's marathon athletics event at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in central London on August 6, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Michael Steele

It’s a do-or-die battle when the 41st Bank of America Chicago Marathon gets underway on Sunday.

The current forecast in Chicago calls for a high of 56 F and low of 45 F on Sunday —perfect racing temperatures. Eight Kenyans will take on a strong that American defending champion Galen Rupp and Britain’s multiple Olympic champion Mo Farah as well as Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew and Birhanu Legese, who are among potential breakout stars. Immediate former world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto holds the course record at 2:03.45 set in 2013.