These distance races at the Cardinal Invitational at Stanford University on Sunday are the most eagerly anticipated on the track in the United States, outside of the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene in June. There are precious few chances to run a truly elite 10,000 on the track in the United States in the spring, so it's not so surprising that so many stars are flocking to the 10,000s at "Cardinal." Shalane Flanagan, the 2008 USA Cross Country champion and U.S. 5000-meter recordholder, has previously indicated she'd like to try and break Deena Kastor's American 10,000 mark of 30:50.32; Kim Smith of New Zealand might be able to challenge her in a duel at that speed. Kara Goucher, the 2007 World Championships bronze medalist in the 10,000, has stated that her goal on Sunday is just to get the Olympic "A" qualifier of 31:45; Alicia Shay apparently has the same goal. Amy Rudolph, Sara Slattery, Jen Rhines, Sally Kipyego, Amy Hastings, Kathy Newberry, and Madai Perez are also in the women's 10,000 at the Invitational. The men's race could include Dan Browne, Mark Carroll, Mo Farah, Galen Rupp,