Khalid Khannouchi, arguably the greatest marathon runner in history, will return to Peoria on June 7 to run in the 30th Steamboat Classic 4-Miler. Khannouchi was Steamboat champion in 1997, 1998 and in 1999, and is the current world and American record-holder in the marathon with a time of 2:05:38 set in 2002 at London. Khannouchi also will be inducted in the Steamboat Classic hall of Fame this year.

Also back is five-time Steamboat champion Colleen De Reuck (all years from 1997-2002 except 2001 when she was injured) who is a legend in Peoria. This former South African Olympian is now one of the USA's top runners and should be a candidate for the USA Olympic Team in 2004.

Challenging for a repeat Steamboat title will be local favorite Tim Broe, who became the first local winner of the Steamboat Classic in 21 years with his victory in 2002. Several former Steamboat champions and people who are part of Steamboat history will return to help celebrate the anniversary occasion. They include three runners who have competed in every single Steamboat race: Jerry Kokesh, who will wear #30; Mel Schriefer, who will wear #2003, and Bev Enslow, a former Steamboat Champion, who will wear #F30.

Also returning will be 1993 World Champion Mark Plaatjes; 1990 and 1992 Steamboat Champion and USA Olympian Rod DeHaven 1991 Steamboat champion and 1991 World Champion Wanda Panfil (Poland); and 2001 Steamboat Champion Shadrack Hoff (South Africa).

Total prize money of up to $40,000 will be awarded, depending on the amount of performance bonuses that are paid out. Male and female winners are guaranteed $4,000 each.

Rounding Out The Men's Elite Field Khannouchi, and Broe will feel the heat from Hoff, Evans Rutto of Kenya, who was second to Broe in 2002, plus Tanzanian John Yuda, who was second at the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships in 2002. Some people's favorite to challenge Broe is Shadrack Kosgei (Kenya), a 19-year-old phenom, who recently won the Penn Relays 5000m in 13:16:79, which is a pace faster than the current World Best for 4 Miles.

Rounding Out The Women's Elite Field De Reuck will be challenged by the Romanian who finished third in 2002, Constantina Dita-Tomescu. Kenyan speedsters Sally Barsosio and Leah Malot also have the ability to win.

For more information, check out www.steamboatclassic.org.