Deena Kastor Masters Pasadena Half
PASADENA, Calif. – Just three days after her 40th birthday, American half-marathon and marathon record holder Deena Kastor won her first race as a Masters runner on Sunday morning at the Kaiser Permanente Rock ‘n’ Roll Pasadena Half Marathon benefiting CureMito! Kastor, who is training for next month’s ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, easily won the 13.1-mile race with a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes, 57 seconds.
“Leave it to Pasadena to have a picture perfect day for us runners to rock the streets,” said Kastor (right, image by Andrew McClanahan / photorun.net), who at 10K was on pace to break the American master’s best for the half-marathon. “It was definitely a strength person’s course out there. There were a lot of hills to tackle, both up and down. I wanted to push hard the whole way, but it’s difficult to focus on times on a course like this where the hills pile on throughout.”
Pasadena’s Mandy Gantz placed second in 1:19:44, followed by Lindsey Tollefson from Mammoth Lakes, who crossed the finish line in 1:20:21 for third.
In the men’s race Adam Kovacs of Hungary broke away from Glenn Randall at the 20K mark to win in 1:06:42. Randall, noteworthy for leading the first 10k of last year’s Boston Marathon, finished second in 1:07:08. Defending champion Sergio Reyes placed third in 1:08:49.
“It was a hilly course but I was still able to beat my PR today,” said Kovacs. “I ran in a pack of four until around mile 9, and then it was just two of us until the 20K when I sped up.”
More than 7,000 entrants enjoyed Far East Movement’s headlining performance at the finish line festival concert. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ stars Chandra Wilson, Sandra Oh and Justin Chambers participated in the 3.1-mile “mini” on behalf of CureMito!, which raises funds to help make a difference in the lives of children who suffer from mitochondrial dysfunctions. Other notable entrants included singer-songwriter Joey McIntyre (1:47:29), actor Sean Astin (2:14:45) and actress Andrea Barber (2:23:27) participating in the half-marathon.
“The addition of the Mini Marathon was a godsend. I have a half marathon medal from last year, but I really appreciated the 5K this year,” said Wilson, who plays Dr. Miranda Baily on the case of Grey’s. “Today was a blast and a great way to spend Sunday morning. I’m glad we could come out to help spread awareness for mitochondrial dysfunctions and CureMito!”
“This is my second Rock ‘n’ Roll Pasadena race and I felt great today,” said McIntyre, who is training to run the Boston Marathon in his hometown. “Pasadena is gorgeous and the bands and cheerleaders were helpful along the course. I have my eye on the Boston Marathon and I was six minutes faster than last year and my pace was more consistent, which I was happy about.”
All runners enjoyed the sounds of live, local bands playing along the course as motivation and entertainment, along with enthusiastic cheerleaders and thousands of cheering spectators. Both the half marathon and Mini Marathon started and finished at the iconic Rose Bowl, passing by numerous scenic landmarks including the Tournament House, the Norton Simon Museum and more.
2013 Kaiser Permanente Rock ‘n’ Roll Pasadena Half Marathon benefiting CureMito!
Sunday, Feb, 17, Pasadena, Calif.
Men
1. Adam Kovacs, 26, Hungary, 1:06:42, $1,000*
2. Glenn Randall, 26, Mesa, CO, 1:07:08
3. Sergio Reyes, 31, Palmdale, CA, 1:08:49
Women
1. Deena Kastor, 40, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 1:12:57, $1000*
2. Mandy Grantz, 26, Pasadena, CA, 1:19:44
3. Lindsey Tollefson, 26, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 1:20:21
*Prize Money based on Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Time Standards
