American Meb Keflezighi Wins Boston Marathon | PrisChew.com

American runner Meb Keflezighi wins the Boston Marathon 2014 – one year after the fatal bombings. (Image from bostonglobe.com)

Yesterday marked the first time that the Boston Marathon had been held since last year’s fatal bombings – where three people died and more than 200 were injured.

So it was only fitting that an American had triumphed and won the race.

Meb Keflezighi took the Boston Marathon men’s 42km title in 2 hours 8 minutes and 57 seconds. This is a new personal best timing for the 39-year-old African-American, who had immigrated to the USA from Eritrea, as a 12-year-old. Now, he is a full-blooded American citizen.

Not expected to win Boston Marathon

Keflezighi was not expected to win the Boston Marathon. He was supposed to be on the decline of his running career. The last time he had recorded a marathon victory was at the New York Marathon back in 2009.

Previously, the last time that an American runner had conquered the Boston Marathon was in 1983. Since 1991, Kenyans have completely dominated at Boston – winning the race a consecutive 19 times.

Keflezighi was definitely a dark horse for the title. But he overcame all the odds to clinch the win – becoming the second oldest ever Boston Marathon winner in the history of the marathon.

So this year, his Boston Marathon victory is even more poignant, considering the tragedy that had taken place at Boston last year.

The crowd cheers on Meb Keflezighi as he crosses the finishing line. (Image from bostonglobe.com)

Sends a deep, symbolic message

It is definitely symbolic that an American citizen has won the Boston Marathon just a year after the race was marred by bombs.

The tragedy may have created headlines last year and the bombers probably thought they had triumphed then. But this year, it is America and the running community that have won. Yesterday’s Boston Marathon win by Keflezighi will definitely do wonders in helping America, as a nation, to heal after the horrific events that have taken place one year and a week ago.

To win for the bombing victims and for his nation

It was Keflezighi’s sheer determination and undying spirit to win the Boston Marathon, not just for himself, but for the bombing victims and America as a whole, that had made the difference between a victory and second place for him.

It is especially poignant too, that he had written the names of the three victims of last year’s bomb blasts – on his race bib.

So by winning the race, perhaps Keflezighi has brought some closure and made up for the hurt and betrayal caused by the bombings.

While those whose lives were taken by the blasts can never be brought back to life, Keflezighi’s win is a very fitting tribute indeed – for the Boston Marathon.