FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Olympian and American Record Holder Deena Kastor
Selects 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for Comeback
Runner Cites Course Design and City Spirit Among Reasons for Decision
CHICAGO, IL (June 17, 2009) - U.S. Olympian Deena Kastor today announced
that she will compete in the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, her
first appearance in the distance since injury forced her to withdraw in the
third mile of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Marathon. A bronze medalist in the
2004 Athens Olympic Marathon, Kastor has her eyes set on redemption with a
strong performance in the Oct. 11 race and a medal in the 2012 London
Olympic Marathon.
"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.
Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski has been assembling the race's
elite field for the last 20 years. "Welcoming Deena back to Chicago is an
absolute thrill especially during a time when the Olympic spirit is so
strong in the city," he said. "She is a truly talented athlete in her own
right, but on this course and among these sports fans her abilities are
multiplied. It is an honor to bring talents like hers to the city of
Chicago."
In its 32nd year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of
America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 runners including a world
class elite field and 1.5 million spectators. As a result of its national
and international draw, the iconic race assists in raising $10 million for
a variety of charitable causes while generating an estimated $140 million
economic impact to its host city.
The 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in
Chicago's Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. In advance
of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick
Place on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. More information on
the race, remaining registration options and how to get involved is
available at the event Web site, www.chicagomarathon.com.
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