New York — Olympic medalist and American record-holder Deena Kastor, will compete in the 11th Annual More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half Marathon on Sunday, April 13, it was announced today by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.
“Deena is such an inspiring role model for the empowerment that women are able to demonstrate through running,” said Wittenberg.
“The More/Fitness Half-Marathon is an amazing event. To have Deena on hand, defending her title during another record-setting year, will be the highlight of the race weekend.”
The More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half-Marathon is the largest all-women’s half-marathon in the country. More than 20,000 race participants and spectators are expected to be welcomed to New York City’s Central Park. The 13.1-mile race attracts women runners and walkers of all ages. Online registration is still open; runners are encouraged to apply here as soon as possible, as the event is nearing capacity.
Kastor, 41, of Mammoth Lakes, CA, is the event’s defending champion, having won last year in an event record time of 1:13:25. She is one of America’s greatest and most decorated distance runners, holding more than 10 U.S. open and masters’ road-running records, ranging from the 5K to the marathon.
She was the champion of the Rock ’n’ Roll Dallas Half-Marathon on March 15, which she completed in 1:11:57. Kastor shattered two American masters records during the race, covering 10 miles in 55:13 and 20 kilometers in 1:08:19.
Kastor will be participating in a live Twitter chat today, April 1, at 4:00 p.m. EDT, from her handle @deenakastor. Runners and fans can post questions for her by using the hashtag #morefitnesshalf.
“I am so excited to return to New York for the More/Fitness Half,” said Kastor. “As I look forward to defending my title there, I am more excited to be a part of the entire weekend, as it’s truly a celebration of women, health, and fitness.
“This event, over any other that I am a part of throughout the year, is like a girlfriends’ weekend in which we support each other’s dreams and ambitions through the sport of running.
“Everyone involved—sponsors, vendors, organizers, volunteers, and participants—is empowered by the enthusiasm and magnitude of women taking over Central Park.”
Hoda Kotb, Co-Host, Fourth Hour of “Today” and Correspondent, “Dateline NBC,” will serve as the event’s host.
To kick off the race, Kotb will be joined by More magazine Editor-in-Chief Lesley Jane Seymour, FITNESS magazine Editor-in-Chief Betty Wong and thousands of women to honor the winners of the first-ever Women Run the World™ Essay Contest, celebrating five women who shared their stories of triumph and accomplishment in the face of adversity.
Athleta and Skechers are the presenting sponsors, Duane Reade and Tonalin are the official product sponsors, CARE and Girls on the Run NYC are the charitable partners, AmLactin is an Expo Sponsor and The Better Show is the official media partner.
The event weekend kicks off on Friday, April 11, with a two-day Health & Wellness Expo at New York City’s Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street), where runners will pick up their numbers and information packets and where they can participate in various health-oriented activities, including consulting with running experts and meeting magazine editors. The two-day Expo is free to the public and features health screenings, fitness seminars, food and product sampling, shopping, sweepstakes, and more.
The half-marathon will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, on Central Park’s West Drive near 63rd Street. For more race details, please visit here.
