Since 1982 no American has won the NY Marathon. Now 34-year-old Meb Keflezighi has been the first since then. Wearing a U.S.A running jersey he crossed the finish line at 2:09:15, that’s smoking! The 2009 NY Marathon also represented the largest marathon field ever.

Keflezighi is originally from Eritrean and moved to the US when he was in sixth grade (1998). He stated he is proud he is an American, started running in America and is still going!

For those that don’t know Keflezighi, he also was in the 2004 Olympics where he placed 2nd. This was the first metal the US won since Frank Shorter’s silver in 1976.

Keflezighi is a great running force for the US, has and will continue to forward and create a surge in popularity for running. His NY Marathon victory will certainly generate more on the resurgence of running in the US.

For more information check out this short video clip on Keflezighi’s win: Keflezighi claims men’s victory in NYC. And this Newsweek article: Keflezighi leads solid U.S. effort, wins NY Marathon.

Also feel free to check out our New York running routes.