NEW YORK — That day in Central Park two years ago was shaping up as a triumphant symbol of the resurgence in American distance running Meb Keflezighi helped inspire.
He left with an aching hip and, far worse, an aching heart.
Keflezighi was back Sunday, wiping away tears after the New York City Marathon — for his historic victory for his country, for his recovery from an injury he once feared might end his career. And for Ryan Shay, his friend who collapsed and died at the U.S. Olympic Trials in New York in 2007.
The 34-year-old Keflezighi became the first American man since 1982 to win the NYC Marathon, the latest twist in the story of a family that fled war to thrive in a new home.
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. Wearing “USA” on his chest, Keflezighi won in 2 hours, 9 minutes, 15 seconds.
Keflezighi won silver at the 2004 Olympics, the first American man to medal since 1976. Sunday’s race proved how much depth the U.S. now boasts: With the event doubling as the national championship, six Americans finished in the top 10 for the first time since 1979.
Former University of Colorado standout Jorge Torres finished seventh with a time of 2:13:00. Josh Eberly (2:24:10) of Gunnison finished 27th while Arvada’s Nelson Laux (2:24:19) was 28th.
Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia was the women’s winner while two-time defending champion Paula Radcliffe finished fourth.
