The Bank of America Chicago Marathon stated today that legendary American icon Deena Kastor would run in the 38th year of the marathon on October 11.
The legendary runner is set to return to Chicago to celebrate the anniversary of her victory, alongside the 58-year-old Joan Benoit Samuelson, another iconic American marathon runner.
Kastor will try to surpass the 2:28:40-American masters marathon record of Colleen De Reuck at the Chicago Marathon slated in October, race organizers announced.
American distance star Kastor debuted in the marathon back in 2005 with a thrilling victory against the returning Romanian champion Constantina Tomescu-Dita. Kastor and Dita battled to the finish line, with Kastor snatching the first spot in 2:21:25. The victory was Kastor's first major marathon win.
Because of that, she achieved the 5th fastest time ever ran by an American woman.
Then in the next spring, Kastor managed to establish a new American record of 2:19:36 at the London Marathon. This legendary runner is the only American woman to run under 2:20.
Furthermore, Chicago Marathon officers also announced this week that Samuelson, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist, will also run this year's race to commemorate the 30th anniversary of her Chicago Marathon victory back in 1985.
"Joan Benoit Samuelson and Deena Kastor are two iconic American marathoners," said Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski. "These two athletes have inspired, and continue to inspire, generations of runners."
The legendary runner is set to return to Chicago to celebrate the anniversary of her victory, alongside the 58-year-old Joan Benoit Samuelson, another iconic American marathon runner.
Kastor will try to surpass the 2:28:40-American masters marathon record of Colleen De Reuck at the Chicago Marathon slated in October, race organizers announced.
American distance star Kastor debuted in the marathon back in 2005 with a thrilling victory against the returning Romanian champion Constantina Tomescu-Dita. Kastor and Dita battled to the finish line, with Kastor snatching the first spot in 2:21:25. The victory was Kastor's first major marathon win.
Because of that, she achieved the 5th fastest time ever ran by an American woman.
Then in the next spring, Kastor managed to establish a new American record of 2:19:36 at the London Marathon. This legendary runner is the only American woman to run under 2:20.
Furthermore, Chicago Marathon officers also announced this week that Samuelson, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist, will also run this year's race to commemorate the 30th anniversary of her Chicago Marathon victory back in 1985.
"Joan Benoit Samuelson and Deena Kastor are two iconic American marathoners," said Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski. "These two athletes have inspired, and continue to inspire, generations of runners."