Keflezighi first U.S. runner since 1982 to win New York

American Meb Keflezighi won his first major marathon Sunday, becoming the first U.S. runner since Alberto Salazar in 1982 to win the New York City Marathon.

American Meb Keflezighi won his first major marathon Sunday, becoming the first U.S. runner since Alberto Salazar in 1982 to win the New York City Marathon.

He crossed the line in 2:09:15, comfortably ahead of four-time Boston champ Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya. Cheruiyot was timed in 2:09:56.

Keflezighi made a strong move with about two kilometres to go, as the runners entered Central Park, which was lined with thousands of spectators cheering loudly for the Eritrean-born American.

Morocco’s Jaouad Gharib was third in 2:10:25, eleven seconds ahead of another American runner, Ryan Hall. Six Americans finished in the top ten, tying the race record.

In the women’s race, British world record holder Paula Radcliffe controlled the pace for most of the race, but faded over the final ten kilometres.

Derartu Tulu of Ethopia outkicked Russian Ludmila Petrova over the final kilometre to win in 2:28:52.

Tulu, a former Olympic champion over 10,000m, looked relaxed as she crossed the line.

Radcliffe, who many expected to win her fourth New York title, held on for fourth place after she was dropped by the leaders late in the race.

She said tendonitis in her left leg became a problem at 16K, and persisted for the rest of the race.

Paula Keating of Miramachi, N.B., was the top Canadian woman, finishing 43rd in 2:58.02. Edmonton’s Krissy Dooling followed in 49th at 2:58.39, while Karen Stacey of Saint John’s, N.L., was 53rd in 2:59.35.

Peter Vail was the top Canadian male in 2:32:05.

Another notable Canadian, singer Alanis Morissette of Ottawa, completed the marathon in 4:28:45. Along with fellow celebrities Edward Norton and David Blaine, Morissette was running to raise money for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.

For full results and coverage visit the New York City Marathon’s official website.

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