Deena Kastor Returns to New York in Search of Fourth Consecutive MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon Title on Sunday, April 17

New York, March 23, 2016 – Three-time Olympian Deena Kastor will return to New York on Sunday, April 17, in search of her fourth-straight victory in the MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon, announced Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and race director of the TCS New York City Marathon. Approximately 10,000 women are expected to lace up for the 13.1-mile race – one of the largest women’s-only half marathons in the country – in New York’s Central Park, with Kastor expected to lead the way.

“Deena is one of the most recognized faces among American long-distance runners, and we are extremely grateful to have her return to Central Park for a fourth consecutive year to race the MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon,” Ciaccia said. “As both a mother and a runner, she is a relatable role model that many women across the country can look up to.”

Kastor, 43, of Mammoth Lakes, CA, raced to a first-place finish in 2015 for a third straight year, completing the course in a time of 1:12:51. The mark fell shy of her own event record time of 1:11:38, which she set in 2014, but her victory followed a monumental year in which she shattered the world masters half-marathon record at the Philadelphia Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon at the age of 41. She is currently the American women’s record-holder in the marathon (2:19:36) and half marathon (1:07:34), and she won the bronze medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic marathon.

“Getting together with other women to celebrate health, fitness, and running fashion in New York City is always a highlight of my year,” Kastor said. “The MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon inspires so many women to gain a fitness edge through running together and is truly represented by the publications that sponsor it. Through this race, New York Road Runners, SHAPE magazine and Meredith Corporation have created a platform for women of all motivations and abilities to thrive. Central Park on race morning is the most beautiful, diverse, and alive as I've ever seen.”

The MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon attracts women of all ages and abilities, and is an inspirational day of fun, fitness, and female camaraderie. Around 10,000 participants are expected for the 13th edition of the event, which pays tribute to the Women Run the World™ theme, and this year will honor 13 notable female leaders with the Women Run the World Relay and Mentorship Program.

Honorees will be paired up with a mentee from the NYRR Run for the Future program, which helps New York City high school girls develop leadership skills, get fit, and earn money towards college. Each pair will run or walk a one-mile leg of the course as part of the relay team. For the mentorship element of the program, honorees will invite their mentees to spend a day with them at the office or participate in a Skype session.

“The MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon provides us the opportunity to recognize some of the most influential and inspirational female leaders, while also highlighting the importance of supporting and empowering the next generation,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “The Women Run the World Relay and Mentorship Program serves as the perfect platform to simultaneously showcase both our current and future female leaders in the running community alongside each other.”

The race, supported by official media partners in NBC’s TODAY and NBC Olympics, will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 17, on Central Park’s West Drive near 63rd Street. The public is encouraged to join the conversation surrounding the event on social media by using the hashtag #WomenRunTheWorld.

On race day, supporters and spectators are invited to cheer on runners along the course in Central Park, and visit the Race Day Festival at Naumburg Bandshell to enjoy live music, free samples, fun activities, and more. There will also be an awards ceremony following the race to celebrate the runners and Women Run the World™ honorees.

Online registration is still open for the race. Runners are encouraged to apply here as soon as possible, as the event is nearing capacity.