by Larry Eder
Deena Kastor, center, on the cover of May 2008 CTRN, in one of her greatest races, the 2008 Olympic Trials marathon in Boston, April 2008. Photo by Photorun.net.
Olympian Deena Kastor is set to conquer the streets of San Francisco and battle a strong elite field in the 98th Annual ING Bay to Breakers 12K on May 17.
Kastor, the 2004 Olympic Games marathon bronze medalist, has been on the mend after breaking her foot during the Beijing Olympic marathon. Now completely healed and race ready, Kastor is set to compete in the ING Bay to Breakers 12K, a distance of which she holds the American record (38:24).
At stake is the opportunity to bring the race title back into the hands of an American, a feat which has not occurred since Lynn Jennings won in 1993. Despite her eight national records and 20 national titles, the Mammoth Lakes, Calif. resident will face stiff competition from a tough group of international athletes, as well as her 2008 Olympic teammate, Magdalena Lewy-Boulet of nearby Oakland.
“We are exceptionally thrilled to have Deena head the elite field,” said Josh Muxen, the race’s elite athlete manager. “Deena is always a tough competitor, which will serve her well – taking on defending champ Lineth Chepkurui of Kenya will be no walk in the park.”
