Elite ASICS Coach Andrew Kastor Joins LA Marathon Family

LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The LA Marathon is pleased to announce national running coach and ASICS ambassador, Andrew Kastor, has been named 2013 Coach.

Kastor will be leading the ever-popular LA Roadrunners program and offering inspiration to thousands of marathoners, from first-timers to avid runners.

Kastor is no stranger to competitive running – or to the LA race. This past year he designed a six-week training program for proficient distance runners who wanted to step up their training in the final weeks before the 2012 race. Taking it even further, he decided to heed his own advice and lace up for the March 18^th event. Looking ahead to 2013, he will oversee the 26-week LA Roadrunners program, which has trained thousands of runners and walkers, many of whom use it to complete their first-ever marathon.

Kastor spent 15 years as a competitive runner and has trained some of the world's finest athletes and worked with other renowned coaches including Damon Martin (Adams State), Bob Larsen (2004 Olympic Team, UCLA), Terrence Mahon (Mammoth Track Club) and Coach Joe I. Vigil (2008 Olympic Team, Adams State). Currently, he is involved in the day-to-day routine of the world's best distance runners including his wife, famed runner Deena Kastor. 

"As a former competitive runner, and as someone who has trained athletes for years, I am very excited to have this opportunity to work with the LA Marathon," Andrew Kastor said. "Having run the Stadium to the Sea course myself, I am convinced that this is a perfect course for both first-timers and elite athletes. It's flat, it's fast and it's a whole lot of fun. Join us in 2013 for our best race yet!"

Marathon officials praised Kastor for his hard work, his professionalism and his light touch. LA MARATHON LLC Chief Operating Officer Nick Curl said: "Andrew is not only one of the best coaches in the business, but he is also one of the most accessible. I've seen him patiently – and joyously – answer questions from casual athletes. He will be a great asset to our training program."

Kastor takes over from running legend Rod Dixon, who has served as coach for the past four years and now plans to focus on the KiDSMARATHON program, www.kidsmarathonfoundation.org, which helps elementary school-aged children to get in shape, get fit, adopt healthy food choices and have fun while running a total of 26.2 miles over the course of a 8-10 week school program.

The LA Roadrunners program kicks off in September, and Kastor will be responsible for designing this year's training, including tips and pointers on everything from proper footwear to injury prevention and nutrition. Kastor will help launch the program in September and be on hand to offer inspiration and advice to runners who join the Roadrunners. He will also be integrally involved in the Marathon's outreach efforts to both casual and experienced runners.

For those awaiting the registration launch for the LA Roadrunners, be on the lookout for an announcement coming soon and in the meantime, Kastor's advice to those considering or planning to run the marathon on March 17, 2013 is to get outside, get active, and get ready!

About Andrew Kastor

After spending 15 years as a competitive runner, Andrew Kastor is now involved in the day-to-day routine of the world's best distance runners including his wife, Deena Kastor. He competed in cross country and track in high school and throughout college where he earned a degree in Exercise Physiology.

His experience range is with all levels of athletes from novice runners aiming to complete their first 5k to Boston Marathon qualifying hopefuls. He also focuses on sports massage and recovery requirements for athletes running upwards of 150 miles per week.

About the LA Marathon

The LA Marathon gives runners and fans a unique way to experience the beauty and diversity of Los Angeles. The iconic Stadium to the Sea course starts at Dodger Stadium, goes through Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Echo Park and Silver Lake, and passes world-famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. The race ends at the footsteps of the Pacific Ocean near the Santa Monica Pier. The energy, enthusiasm and entertainment along the course are unparalleled.

SOURCE LA Marathon