From: Eri News (er_news@dehai.org)
Date: Fri Oct 30 2009 - 10:38:27 EST
American Meb Keflezighi wins NYC Marathon
By RACHEL COHEN The Associated Press Sunday, November 1, 2009; 12:04 PM
NEW YORK -- Meb Keflezighi has become the first American man to win the New York City Marathon since 1982.
Keflezighi, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist, earned his first major marathon title Sunday. Born in Eritrea, the 34-year-old became a U.S. citizen in 1998.
He was second in New York in 2004 and third in 2005. Keflezighi, wearing "USA on his chest, won in 2 hours, 9 minutes, 15 seconds.
Four-time Boston Marathon champ Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya was second. Morocco's Jaouad Gharib finished third and American Ryan Hall was fourth. American Alberto Salazar won three straight NYC Marathons from 1980-82.
Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia was the women's winner, with 41-year-old Russian Ludmila Petrova the runner-up for the second straight year. ad_icon
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
NEW YORK (AP) - Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia has won the New York City Marathon in her comeback to the sport.
She pulled away in the final mile Sunday, with 41-year-old Russian Ludmila Petrova the runner-up for the second straight year.
Two-time defending champ Paula Radcliffe was fourth. The world record-holder from Britain fell back from the lead pack in the 22nd mile. She grabbed her left leg in pain after finishing.
The 37-year-old Tulu won Olympic gold medals on the track in the 10,000 meters in 1992 and 2000. She hadn't won a major marathon since 2001 in London.
Christelle Daunay of France was third.
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