Races — Kastor to run Chicago Marathon; hopes for sub-2:18:00 performance

Deena Kastor at the 2008 US Olympic Trials

A bronze medalist in the 2004 Athens Olympic Marathon, Kastor has her eyes set on a return to the distance with a strong performance in the Oct. 11 race and is aiming to lower the American Record in the marathon by running sub-2:18:00 in the race.

“The terrible timing of my injury in last year’s Olympic Games left me with a hunger to perform well on the world stage,” said Kastor from Chicago. “I am thrilled to have chosen the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for my return to the distance I love so much. Chicago holds a special place in my heart and my greatest hope is to run a personal best there.”

Kastor, 36, of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., currently owns the American women’s marathon record (2:19:36), a title she first earned at the 2003 London Marathon (2:21:16) and narrowly missed lowering in her 2005 Chicago Marathon victory (2:21:25). A runner since the age of 11, Kastor has enjoyed a decorated professional career, but still has a few specific goals she hopes to achieve including a sub-2:18 marathon. Hitting that mark would once again lower the American record – something she is aiming to do in Chicago.

“Chicago sets itself above other marathons in the U.S. in that it is the fastest, which is a big reason I am returning this fall,” Kastor continued. “The familiarity and comfort level I have with the course, the staff and their attention to detail certainly will allow me to concentrate on my goals while the enthusiastic Chicago crowds provide the constant support every athlete needs to perform their best.”

Kastor’s return to Chicago continues the race’s tradition of welcoming world class athletes to its stage. Home to four world records, the 32-year-old race is one of the most competitive in the world. In its storied history it has hosted some of the great names in the sport including Steve Jones, Joan Benoit-Samuelson, Khalid Khannouchi, Catherine Ndereba and Paula Radcliffe.

Source: Chicago Marathon
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