NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Meb Keflezighi became the first American to win the New York City marathon since 1982 when he took the men’s title in two hours 9 minutes and 15 seconds yesterday.
Ethiopia’s former world and Olympic 10,000 metres champion Derartu Tulu won the women’s event through the city’s five boroughs in 2:28.52 after pulling away from Russia’s Ludmila Petrova in the last mile.
Race favourite and world record holder Paula Radcliffe finished fourth behind France’s Christelle Daunay after setting the pace for much of the race.
Keflezighi, whose previous best finish in a marathon major was second in New York in 2004, broke away from Kenyan Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot with just a few miles to go to take a surprise win.
Cheruiyot finished 41 seconds behind the American, while third place went to former world champion Moroccan Jaouad Gharib, who posted a time of 2:10:25.
After he crossed the line Eritrean-born Keflezighi, who lives in San Diego, California, kissed the ground. The 34-year-old was one of six Americans to finish in the top 10.
Alberto Salazar was the last American winner of the 26.2-mile (42.195-km) race.
