4 Past Chicago Marathon Champions To Be Part Of Celebration Of International Chicago 5K

(CBS) Four past Bank of America Chicago Marathon champions will be part of the festivities of race weekend at the inaugural International Chicago 5K on Oct. 8, it was announced Tuesday.

Steve Jones, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Constantina Dita and Deena Kastor will all be part of the weekend's festivities.

"Steve, Joan, Constantina and Deena are global running icons who have inspired a generation of runners," Bank of American Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski said. "I watched all of these athletes run bravely and become champions on our city streets. It is an honor to welcome them back to Chicago to celebrate our city's cultural diversity with the International Chicago 5K."

The origins of the International Chicago 5K came from a desire to celebrate Chicago's "international zest and the allure of running in a world-class city."

The Chicago Marathon will be held Oct. 9, the day after the International Chicago 5K. For more information, visit chicagomarathon.com.