Posted: March 10, 2007

Athletics: Kastor And Keflezighi Win USA 15-K Titles

From David Monti © 2007 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com Deena Kastor and Meb Keflezighi were crowned USA 15-K champions today in Jacksonville, Fla. Kastor, 34, of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., came within four seconds of her North American record for the distance, breaking the finish tape in 47:19 (unofficial). She ran completely alone because the elite women were given a five minute headstart over the men with a $5000 "Equalizer" bonus going to the first athlete to finish. Keflezighi clocked 43:39 (unofficial) so Kastor won both the $12,000 winner's check plus the $5,000 Equalizer bonus. Jen Rhines was second in the women's race, and Ryan Hall was second to Keflezighi about 15 seconds behind. Jason Hartmann was third. The USA 15-K Championships were hosted by the 30th Gate River Run. The race, which was held in sunny and hot conditions, features some challenging hills including the towering Hart Bridge near the end of the race.