Meb Keflezighi is first U.S. men's winner of NYC Marathon since 1982

News flash: New York City Marathon
Meb Keflezighi, of the United States holds a U.S. flag after winning the men's division of the New York City Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Keflezighi is first U.S. man to win NYC Marathon since 1982: American Meb Keflezighi was wiping away tears after Sunday's New York City Marathon — for his victory and for his recovery from a 2007 hip injury he feared might end his career.

And for Ryan Shay, a friend who collapsed and died at the U.S. Olympic trials in New York two years ago.

Keflezighi, 34, a resident of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., became the first U.S. man since Alberto Salazar in 1982 to win the NYC Marathon. Keflezighi covered 26.2 miles in 2 hours, 9 minutes, 15 seconds.

Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya was second in 2:09:56.

Mike Sayenko, a former Washington Huskies and Sammamish High School runner, finished 14th in 2:16:38.

Brett Winegar of Shoreline was 24th in 2:23:11.

Among U.S. men, Sayenko was eighth and Winegar was 14th. The race served as this year's national championship.

Derartu Tulu, 37, of Ethiopia was the women's winner in 2:28:52; she is the oldest women's champion since 42-year-old Priscilla Welch in 1987. Two-time defending champion Paula Radcliffe of Britain was fourth, hobbled by tendinitis behind her left knee.

Asked about the significance of the victory, Tulu said she plans to compete at the London Olympics in 2012 when she is 40.

"I hope to be able to bring another victory for my country," she said, "So I hope you will be there to ask me the same question."

Russian Ludmila Petrova, 41, was the runner-up for the second consecutive year.

via Other Sports | Briefs | Running: Meb Keflezighi is first U.S. men's winner of NYC Marathon since 1982 | Seattle Times Newspaper.

America needs some good news and while this is just a sporting event, it will help many people to realize that now is not a time to give up. Now is a time to work and meet our goals. We can still bring this country back on course.  Keep at it.  Great job, Meb!