An American woman won the New York City Marathon on Sunday, becoming the first to do so since 1977.
Shalene Flanagan, 36, had an unofficial time of two hours 26 minutes and 53 minutes and beat three-time defending champion Mary Keitany of Kenya.
The last American to win the race was Miki Gorman back in 1977 and Keitany had hoped to become the first woman after Grete Waitz to win four marathons in a row.
Shalene Flanagan, 36, had an unofficial time of two hours 26 minutes and 53 minutes and beat three-time defending champion Mary Keitany of Kenya
Flanagan, from Massachusetts, was a minute ahead of her competition when she won the 26.2 mile-long race
Flanagan, from Massachusetts, was a minute ahead of her competition when she won the 26.2 mile-long race.
She was teary eyed and shouting in rejoice as she crossed the finish line. The American already had the flag wrapped around her shoulders when Keitany came up and hugged her.
Keitany had a time of 2:27:54 and was followed by first timer Mamitu Daska of Ethiopia, who had a time of 2:28:08.
She was teary eyed and shouting in rejoice as she crossed the finish line. The American already had the flag wrapped around her shoulders when Keitany came up and hugged her
Keitany had a time of 2:27:54 and was followed by first timer Mamitu Daska of Ethiopia, who had a time of 2:28:08
Flanagan, a four-time Olympian, won a silver medal in the 10,000 meter race in 2008. Her first Marathon was back in 2010 and came in second
Flanagan, a four-time Olympian, won a silver medal in the 10,000 meter race in 2008.
Her first Marathon was back in 2010 and came in second.
Miki Gorman was the last American woman to win the marathon, taking the gold in both 1976 and 1977.
Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya came in first for the men and he was followed by Wilson Kipsang and Lelisa Desisa.
Geoffrey Kamworor (right) of Kenya came in first for the men and he was followed by Wilson Kipsang and Lelisa Desisa
Miki Gorman was the last American woman to win the marathon, taking the gold in both 1976 and 1977