Meb Keflezighi first American to win Boston Marathon since 1985

Meb Keflezighi became the first American male to win the Boston Marathon since 1983, and the first American in either race since 1985, on Monday in an exciting and close finish.

In a race where many considered the Americans not to be a threat to a strong East African contingent, Keflezighi made Boston history by running a 2:08:37 personal best on the difficult, hilly course.

“I always run to get the best out of myself. I can’t run a personal best from behind and I can’t win from behind. Goal number one was a to win the race,” said Keflezighi after the race. “Goal number two was to be on the podium. Goal number three was the run a personal best.”

Wilson Chebet looked like he was poised to pass Keflezighi in the final kilometres to win his first world marathon major, but the 38-year-old American had different plans.

BREAKING PHOTO: American Meb Keflezighi WINS the 118th #BostonMarathon #wbz pic.twitter.com/TLWtKnOqey

— Steven Bognar (@BogsWBZ) April 21, 2014

Keflezighi led most of the race, at one point holding over a one-minute lead on the chase pack, until Chebet nearly caught the American in the dying stages of the race

Keflezighi has represented the United States at three Olympic games, once in the 10,000m and twice in the marathon.

“This is probably the most meaningful victory for an American after what happened last year,” said Keflezighi.