http://www.wcvb.com/news/running-of-118th-boston-marathon-under-way/25580102?
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=9510155
Eritrean American Meb Keflezighi wins Boston Marathon
Boston Strong: American Meb Keflezighi wins Boston Marathon
Meb Keflezighi claims victory in 118th running of race
UPDATED 12:16 PM EDT Apr 21, 2014
BOSTON —American Meb Keflezighi has won the 118th running of the Boston Marathon on Monday, one year after two explosions rocked the finish line of the historic race. It's the first time an American has won the race in more than 30 years.
Keflezighi, 38, crossed the finish line with an unofficial time of 2:08:36.
Keflezighi, who moved to the United States when he was 12, broke down in tears as he broke the tape. He became a citizen in 1998 -- the same year he graduated from UCLA.
Kenyan Rita Jeptoo claimed her third Boston Marathon win Monday with a course record, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:18:57.
At 23 miles, Jeptoo, the 2013 and 2016 champion, established a large lead over the pack, and a mile 24, she ran a 4:48 split, one of the fastest of the race for a man or woman.
American Shalane Flanagan crossed the finish line in sixth, with a personal best time of 2:22:01.
"I love Boston so much, and I really wanted to do it for my city," Flanagan said. "I wanted my love of Boston to be portrayed through my race today."
Flanagan said it was the most enjoyable race she's ever won, in part, because of the crowds, who were so loud in their cheering that her "ears were ringing."
South African Ernst Van Dyk and American Tatyana McFadden won the wheelchair divisions. It was an unprecedented 10th win for Van Dyk, who crossed the finish line with a time of 1:20:36. McFadden, of Champaign, Ill., who won last year's race, crossed with a time of 1:35:06.
Many of the 36,000 registered runners said they came to show their support for the victims and survivors. Race organizers expanded the field to make room for runners who were prevented from finishing last year and for family and friends of those affected by the blasts.
"I think our sport is a sport that brings people together. Everyone is friends and you are running with your friends and your family and there is healing, and Boston is doing a world class job," said four-time Boston champion Bill Rodgers.
A moment of silence was held at 8:45 a.m. at the start line to honor victims Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu and MIT officer Sean Collier.
More than 3,000 police officers were stationed along the 26.2-mile course, and spectators went through checkpoints before being allowed near some areas.
Received on Mon Apr 21 2014 - 12:31:46 EDT