Meb Keflezighi became the first American to win Boston Marathon in thirty one years. Keflezighi completed the Boston Marathon in 2 hours, eight minutes and 37 seconds. Mebrahtom Keflezighi completed the Boston Marathon in 2 hours, eight minutes and 37 seconds. ” target=”_blank”>beat the second place Kenyan by 11 seconds. It’s noteworthy that an American won the Boston Marathon, not only because it was one year after the terrorist attack, but also because it’s usually Kenyans or Ethiopians who win these Marathons. Last year it was Lelisa Desisa Benti of Ethopia who won the marathon before the bombs went off.
Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi won the 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist in the Marathon.
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| Mebrahtom Meb Keflezighi first American to win Boston Marathon since 1983 |
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Meb Keflezighi has become the first American male to win the Boston Marathon since 1983 – one year after bombings left three dead and 264 injured.
Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo also successfully defended her women’s title, becoming the 7th 3-time winner of the race.
Keflezighi crossed the finish line with a time of 2:08:37, 11 seconds ahead of second place finisher Wilson Chebet of Kenya.
The 38-year-old from San Diego looked over his shoulder several times over the final mile. After realizing he wouldn’t be caught, he raised his sunglasses, began pumping his right fist and made the sign of the cross
Keflezighi is a three-time Olympian who won the 2009 New York City Marathon and a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. His previous best finish at the Boston Marathon was third in 2006.
The last American to win the Boston Marathon was Greg Meyer, who recorded a time of 2:09:00 in 1983.