BOSTON, MA (April 20, 2008) – Deena Kastor booked her ticket to Beijing with a thrilling victory at the 2008 Women's Olympic Marathon Team Trials. Kastor finished with a time of 2:29:35, but on this day time was inconsequential to place.

While earning a spot on the Olympic team was Kastor's number one priority, she had been hungry for a victory at this race ever since she finished 2nd at the 2004 Trials.

Magdalena Lewy-Boulet seized control of the race from the beginning, eventually building up a lead of nearly 2 minutes by 14 miles. Kastor remained in the chase pack, content to save her energy for the second half of the race.

At 14 miles she could wait no longer and broke away from the pack. She slowly chipped away at Lewy-Boulet's lead as the throngs of spectators on the course wondered aloud if perhaps Kastor had waited too long.

Kastor was extremely confident in her ability to close fast, but even she had doubts at points during the race. "For the longest time I thought I might have misjudged Magdalena's strength. I definitely had thoughts of succumbing to second place."

Finally at mile 24 Kastor claimed the lead and never looked back, charging to a 44 second margin of victory.

Having run a controlled effort for much of the race, Kastor plans to return to training for Beijing in short order. A bronze medallist in 2004, Kastor is shooting for nothing short of gold in 2008.