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Kastor wins US Women’s Marathon Championship amidst blustery conditions

Posted April 16th, 2007 at 2:19 PM by Jared Markowitz

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Special Features, Live Race Coverage

deena kastor 2007 boston marathon The United States Women’s Marathon Championships were conducted as part of today’s 111th Boston Marathon. Olympic Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor (Mammoth Lakes, CA) claimed the title on the strength of her fifth place overall finish. Kastor completed the famous Hopkinton to Boylston course in a wind-blown 2:35:09.

Following Kastor was Ann Alyanak (Bellbrook, OH) in 2:38:55 and Kristin Price (Raleigh, NC) in 2:38:57. Rounding out the top 10 were Mary Akor (Gardena, CA), Christine Lundy (Sausalito, CA), Janelle Kraus (Pawtucket, RI), Zoila Gomez (Alamosa, CO), Melissa White (Rochester Hills, MI), Kelly Flathers (Huntington Beach, CA), and Dot McMahan (Rochester Hills, MI).

This year’s Boston Marathon provided a unique challenge to all runners through the extremely difficult weather conditions. With temperatures in the low 40s, strong rain, and gale-force winds the competitors had to fight not only their opponents but the elements as well. The last few miles along Commonwealth Avenue were especially trying, as a brutal headwind made a strong finish difficult. Undeterred, the American women persevered to place 8 runners in the top 15 overall led by Boston native Deena Kastor.

Many of the top American female runners used this race as a tune-up for next spring’s Olympic Marathon trials, also to be hosted by the Boston Athletic Association. That race will start and finish on the standard Boylston finish line and feature a looping course through historic downtown Boston.