(NECN) – Meb Keflezighi won the elite men's field at Monday's Boston Marathon, becoming the first American to do so in 30 years.
As he approached the finish line, Keflezighi pumped his fist to cheers from the crowd. His official time was 2:08:37, a personal record and the second fastest time by an American male at Boston. The last American to win the Boston Marathon was Greg Meyer back in 1983.
Defending champion Rita Jeptoo of Kenya finished first in the women's elite field, setting a course record of 2:18:57. She also became the seventh 3-time winner of the Boston Marathon. Shalane Flanagan of Marblehead, Mass. led the women's field for a time, before dropping out of the lead pack. She finished in sixth place at 2:22:01.
[Follow along with our live blog of the Boston Marathon.]
The men's wheelchair winner, Ernst Van Dyke of South Africa, claimed his 10th title, finishing at 1:20:36. Tatyana McFadden of Illinois took first place in the women's wheelchair division with a time of 1:35:06.
Security was high for the race after two bombs went off at the finish line a year ago, killing three and injuring 260 more. Nearly 36,000 runners participated, the second-largest field in the race's history.
Several changes were placed in effect along the race route this year, including increased security and medical presence. One hundred and forty Boston EMS personnel were in the Boston area and there were four medical tents along the route. There was an increased police presence, and 100 cameras were installed along the race route.
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"There have been no threats on the race but our guard is up and our officers are prepared and ready," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said Monday morning.
Officials recommended that people leave backpacks and strollers at home. While not prohibited, people were subject to being searched.
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