Boston Marathon's Runners Expo, American Elite Runners

BOSTON (CBS) - When the pack takes off on Monday for the 115th time, some promising Americans will try to make a mark, including 2009 sensation Kara Goucher.

In her Boston debut, Goucher finished a thrilling third, which she didn't immediately appreciate.

WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi reports

"I was devastated by it because I just felt like I let everyone down," says Goucher. "But once I opened my eyes and saw how much people embraced the performance, I just want to come back and get it right this time."

To her second Boston, Goucher brings her first child; her and husband Adam's son, Colt.

WBZ-TV's Jim Smith reports from the runner's expo

Another favorite, Ryan Hall, a year ago ran the fastest time ever posted by an American on the Boston Marathon course.

Hall is keeping things simple this year. "The best way to improve on that is pray for a tailwind, been doing that all year, pray for a tailwind, and I think we got it," he says.

Winning would vault him into the rarified ranks of champions, where Joan Benoit Samuelson has long held a place.

She's running this year for the first time in 18 years.

"I only run marathons now if I find a story," admits Samuelson. "So the story this year is I'm running with my daughter, who's running her first."

She hopes to break 2:50, which would bring her close to a qualifying time for the Olympic trials.

Meanwhile, two other icons, Dick and Rick Hoyt, will return for their 29th Boston Marathon.

"Our motto is yes you can, no such word is can't," says dad. "And we just feel stick with motto, out there able to complete it."

 WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi contributed to this report