U.S. Olympian Deena Kastor Sets New Event Record At 10th Anniversary More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon On April 14

NEW YORK, April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Alison Sweeney and Mika Brzezinski co-hosted the 10th Anniversary of the More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon in Central Park on Sunday, April 14, 2013. More than 7,550 women from around the world took part in the race—the largest women's-only half-marathon in the country—established by More and Fitness magazines in partnership with New York Road Runners. Sweeney and Brzezinski both participated in the race for the first time and crossed the finish line within two hours before a cheering crowd of 16,000; Sweeney finished in 1:59:50 and Brzezinski finished in 1:49:19.

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(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130417/MM94298 )

"I was so honored to be asked to be a part of this event and to support fitness and health along with thousands of women," said Sweeney of co-hosting the 10^th Anniversary More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon. 

"The whole experience was invigorating and symbolic for everything we're trying to do as women—working together, adding value and doing it our way," added Brzezinski.

Three-time U.S. Olympian Deena Kastor, 40, was among an early lead pack that included West Side Runners teammates Aziza Aliyu, 27, and Hirut Beyene, 20, who finished second and third respectively. Kastor held her ground throughout the race and looked comfortable as she cruised to the finish, breaking the standing event record and setting a new course record of 1:13:25.05 by mere tenths of a second.

"It was an amazing day! The More/Fitness Half is so great for women and running. The energy in the park was amazing," said Kastor after completing the 10^th Anniversary More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon in record time. "This was a girl's morning out in Central Park. Anytime you can get women together it's a special day."

Fitness Editor in Chief Betty Wong ran the race for the seventh consecutive year, achieving a course personal best time of 1:59:21.  "The More/Fitness Women's Half is my favorite race of the year and Sunday was a picture-perfect day. It was so gratifying and inspiring to see women of all ages and abilities digging deep on those tough Central Park hills and crossing that finish line with so much pride and exhilaration. I know it's an addictive feeling and just a start of lifetime of healthy habits."

To mark the 10th annual race, More and Fitness created "Women Run the World." According to More Editor-in-Chief Lesley Jane Seymour, "We wanted to honor 10 fearless females who shattered gender roles in business, education, health, media and other leading fields over the last decade."  The 2013  "Women Run the World" honorees included: The View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Anna Maria Chavez, U.S. Congressman Marsha Blackburn, President/CEO of Citi's Women & Co. Linda Descano, CFA®, Founder of AYFA Danielle Butin, Founder/Executive Director of the Red Hook Initiative Jill Eisenhard, model and tri-athlete Jenny Fletcher, Medical Director of the Breast Health Program of Holy Redeemer Health System Dr. Beth DuPree, Founding Director of the Solutions Journalism Network and Editor Emeritus of Feministing.com Courtney E. Martin and Chief Petty Officer Hsiao-Chin Chiang.

Race participants ran to celebrate various initiatives including 2013 charitable partner Hole in the Wall Gang, a nonprofit, summer camp and year-round center serving children and their families coping with cancer. Athleta and Skechers were the presenting sponsors, Duane Reade, Oakley and Tonalin were the official product sponsors, Hole in the Wall Gang was the charitable partner, CARE and Crystal Light were the Expo sponsors, CocoaVia and Sargento were the sampling sponsors and The Better Show was the official media partner.

SOURCE Meredith Corporation

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