MileStat is Boston Strong, American Meb Wins!

MileStat as well as many of its contituents wanted to take the time today to recognize that we, as well as, the entire state of Virginia's track & field community stand together with Boston on this Patriots' Day.

 

 

    Nothing hit closer to home then the horrific actions taken last year at the Boston Marathon. These events shook the entire nation, all sporting events, and especially the running community. Though these actions took lives, injured many, and damaged infrastructure, they did not shake our country's will to stand together and to be strong. Events like this exemplify what it means to not only be an American but what it means to be a part of the running community. 

 

Not only is this event and its running today about staying strong but also about how as a community we are based on going the extra Mile and digging deep to reach the finish line. These type of events also unfortunately highlight some of the many ways the running community comes together. One other example is many Virginia Tech Alum run Miles each year to represent the lives lost in their tragedy. These type of events show how in the face of adversity the nation and running community stay strong.

 

It was very fitting today that an American, Meb Keflezighi, took home the crown as the Marathon champion. Meb grew a lead that slowly dwindled in the final Miles but as one reporter said, once he got on Boylston Street with the thousands of fans he never looked back en route to his 2:08.37 win. This was only 11 seconds faster then his Kenyan competitor. Meb is the first American mens winner since 1983. 

 

The winner of the women's race was Rita Jeptoo of Kenya in 2:18.57 setting a new course record. American Shalane Flanagan finished in seventh despite running very well and setting the pace through the first half. Flanagan finished in 2:22.02.