American Marathon Record in Reach for Marblehead Native

Marblehead native Shalane Flanagan has her eyes on becoming the fastest American marathoner ever in Sunday’s Berlin Marathon.

The German course is described by Runner’s World as “pancake-flat” and combined with mild temperatures and a team of professional pacers makes the race a top spot for personal records - or better.

Last year, Kenyan Wilson Kipsang won the race in 2:03:23, setting the men’s world record - the 6th time it has been set on the Berlin course.

Flanagan, 33, is a 2000 Marblehead High School graduate. Flanagan is expected to return to Marblehead on Nov. 29 for the Back the Track 5K to raise money for a new track.

She has publicly said she feels the American women’s marathon record is in reach for her in Berlin.

The American women’s record for the marathon is 2:19:36 by Deena Kastor.

“I am the fittest I have been in the marathon,” she told Runner’s World. “Everything has surpassed our expectations.”

The race starts at 2:45 a.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on Universal Sports.