Track & Field - 2003

America's top 8k, 10k and cross country runner, Deena Drossin recently added top marathoner to her resume. Tackling the marathon for the first time in 2001, Deena won the U.S. Women's title at the New York City Marathon to become the fourth-fastest American female in history (2:26:58).

A winner or top finisher at numerous major track events, her notable achievements 1997–10,000-meter championship at the 1997 World University Games.

1998–Championships at: U.S. 8k World Cross Country Trials, Tampere 3000-meters, Manchester Road Race, and Mission Inn 5k (set course record, 15:22).

1999–Championships at: U.S. 8k World Cross Country Trials, and Manchester Road Race.

2000–First in 10,000-meters at U.S. Olympic Trials, and second in the 5,000-meters; U.S. 4k and 8k Cross Country titles; San Diego Half Marathon championship; U.S. 15k winner.

2001–In addition to finishing first among U.S. runners at the NY Marathon, she captured the United States Outdoor
10,000-meter title, finished #1 in the Bolder Boulder 10k, and captured victories in the U.S. 8k Cross Country, U.S. 15k, and Rock & Roll Half Marathon (in record time).

2002–Set world record for the 5k on roads in Carlsbad (14:54); set the American record for 10,000-meters (30:50.32); won the U.S. 8k Cross Country; won silver in the World Cross Country 8k Championship.

Deena got her start in distance running at the age of 13 while growing up in Agoura Hills. Parents Heleana and Paul introduced her to the sport at a local track club coached by her future high school coach, Bill Duley. At Agoura High School Deena won two California State track titles and three cross country championships. As a high school prep runner, she made the finals of the Kinney (now FootLocker) National Cross Country all four years.

A University of Arkansas English/Journalism graduate, Deena was inducted into her alma mater's Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.