Athletics: Olympian Deena Kastor Returns to Hometown Dole Great Race

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - (March 16, 2004) - America's top female distance runner is coming home to the event where she began her running career.

Deena Kastor, the American record holder in the 5K, 10,000m, 15K and marathon, will be honored at the 19th annual Dole Great Race on Saturday, March 20 at the Agoura High School Stadium. Last year, race officials named the 5K after the former Agoura High runner who set the world 5K road record in 2002 at Carlsbad.

"I'm excited to come back and be a part of a race that was just starting when I was younger," said Kastor of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., the favorite for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials on April 3 in St. Louis. "It's just a great event that gets the community out there and promotes health and fitness to the kids."

Kastor, who grew up running in The Dole Great Race and won five state titles in high school (three in cross country and two in track), will be the official starter of the Deena Kastor 5K. Her parents, Paul and Heleana Drossin, will join the Team Running USA athlete, while her husband, Andrew and her sister, Lesley will be participating in the event.

"We are thrilled that Deena will be able to make it out considering her busy training schedule for the Olympic Trials," said Danny Greenberg, president of The Great Race of Agoura, Inc., the nonprofit corporation that organizes the event. "Deena is a hometown favorite and we are honored to host one of the greatest runners of our day."

The Dole Great Race was voted the #1 Running Event in L.A. in 2003 by Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine readers. In addition to the Deena Kastor 5K, the running festival features four other races Old Agoura 10K, Kids Mile (for 7-12 year olds), Family Fun Run/Walk and, new for 2004, the Chesebro Half Marathon. It also includes a fitness and camp expo and an award-winning finish line party.

The proceeds from the event benefit the six elementary schools of Agoura Hills and Oak Park as well as the running programs at both Agoura and Oak Park High Schools. The title sponsor of the event is Dole Food Company and the presenting sponsor is Neftin Westlake Volvo and Volkswagen.

For more information go to GreatRaceofAgoura.com or call (818) 313-2102.