Bay to Breakers runners from around the world

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Defending women's champion Lineth Chepkurui, 21, from Kenya ran the fastest 10 miles in the world this year and will be competing against Olympians and former world record holders, according to ING race organizers.

However her toughest competition might very well be from California. Runner Deena Kastor, 36, from Mammoth Lakes, runs 5k and 10k marathons and holds eight American records and a former world record. Kastor also won the 2004 Olympic bronze medal in the marathon category.

Oakland resident Magda Lewy-Boulet, 33, holds the American and Bay Area title for Bay to Breakers in 2006 and 2007.

Lewy-Boulet also placed second in the 2008 Olympic trials after leading for about 23 miles, according to race organizers.

The men also have a heated race this year.

Two-time defending champion John Korir, 33, also from Kenya, has his work cut out for him because two-time Bay to Breakers champion Gilbert Okari is back after battling an injury in 2007.

Okari, 30, and also from Kenya, won the race in 2005 and 2006.

Newcomers and old timers from as far as Russia and Ethiopia will be competing in the 8 a.m. race from downtown San Francisco to the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park.

The race's Web site, http://www.ingbaytobreakers.com, has descriptions of 40 of its most elite competitors.

ABC7NEWS.COM is the exclusive destination for live video streaming coverage of the /*ING Bay to Breakers*/ 2009. ABC7NEWS.COM will be the only place, on-air or online, where you can watch the event LIVE. Our coverage of the annual San Francisco 12K race takes place on Sunday, May 17, from 7:45 - 11:00 a.m.