Deena Kastor

Deena Kastor (born February 14, 1973) is an American long-distance runner renowned for her marathon prowess, including a bronze medal in the women's marathon at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where she finished third in 2:27:20, ending a 20-year U.S. women's medal drought in the event. She set multiple American records during her career, including the marathon mark of 2:19:36 at the 2006 London Marathon, the first sub-2:20 performance by an American woman, as well as records in the 10,000 meters (30:50.32 in 2002) and half marathon (1:07:34 in 2006). She continues to hold several American records as of 2025, including in the 15K and 8K cross-country.

Kastor was adopted into a Jewish family.

Born in Waltham, Massachusetts, and raised in Agoura, California, Kastor excelled in high school at Agoura High, securing two state track titles and three cross-country championships before attending the University of Arkansas, where she graduated in 1996 with degrees in English/creative writing and journalism. Her collegiate success propelled her into elite competition, where she earned two silver medals at the World Cross Country Championships (2002 and 2003) and a gold at the 1997 World University Games in the 10,000 meters. Transitioning to road racing, she claimed victories in the 2005 Chicago Marathon (2:21:25) and the 2006 London Marathon, alongside eight U.S. cross-country titles and four national 15K championships.