DeCastella to Run in Boston Marathon

Former world record-holder Rob deCastella of Australia will return to defend his title at the Boston Marathon, race sponsors have announced.

According to an announcement by John Hancock Financial Services, DeCastella agreed to rejoin the firm’s fitness and clinic staff and will defend his title in the 91st marathon on April 20.

John Hancock began a 10-year, $10 million sponsorship of the world’s oldest annual marathon in 1986. The Boston Marathon began in 1897. The running and fitness clinics for young runners are part of Hancock’s support.

“The signing of Rob deCastella gives us the two top-ranked marathoners in the world and further ensures that Boston will have the best field again this year,” said spokesman David F. D’Alessandro.

Other runners entered in the 1987 Boston Marathon include Juma Ikangaa of Tanzania, the world’s number-one ranked marathoner; Steve Jones of Wales; two-time winner Geoff Smith of Great Britain; 1984 Olympic silver medal winner John Treacy of Ireland; four-time winner Bill Rodgers; 1983 champion Greg Meyer, and Pete Pfitzinger.

The women’s field will include 1985 winner Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach, 1980 winner Jacqueline Gareau, Olympic medalist Rosa Mota of Portugal, Lorraine Moller of New Zealand and Patti Catalano.