NYC Marathon 2009

Leading runners compete in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 1.

Meb Keflezighi of the United States crosses the finish line first, winning the men's division at the ING New York City Marathon on Nov. 1.

Meb Keflezighi celebrates after his win Nov. 1. Keflezighi, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist, earned his first major marathon with a time of 2hr 09min 15sec. The 34-year-old athlete was born in Eritrea, and became a US citizen in 1998.

Meb Keflezighi kisses his youngest daughter Fiyori, 1, as he holds daughter Sara, 3, after winning the Men's division of the New York City Marathon.

Men's marathon winner Meb Keflezighi, center, poses with Jorge Torres, left, and Ryan Hall, right, after the marathon. Ryan placed fourth and Torres placed seventh.

Women's marathon winner Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia, center, poses with Ludmila Petrova, of Russia, left, and Christelle Daunay of France after Petrova finished second and Daunay finished third.

Mike LaForgia, of Smithtown, runs the NYC Marathon Nov. 1, 2009 for the first time as an amputee and cheers on the crowd after completing 16 miles.

Spencer Hadel, a freshman at Stony Brook University, ran in the marathon Nov. 1.

Jessica Arrien, right, of Bridgeport, Conn., gets a kiss from her mother Ellen Arrien, while passing her on the sidelines in Brooklyn during Jessica's first running of the New York City Marathon on Nov. 1.

Leading runners pound the pavement during the NYC Marathon Nov. 1.

A runner pauses to grab a piece of free chocolate cake handed out by the Peter Pan Bakery in Brooklyn during the marathon Nov. 1.

Michel Bach, of France, wears a replica of the Eiffel Tower, weighing 12 kgs., while running over the Pulaski Bridge from Brooklyn to Queens during the Nov. 1 marathon.

Meb Keflezighi, left, leaves Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya behind in Central Park after passing him to become the first American man to win the New York City Marathon since 1982.

Meb Keflezighi of the US celebrates his victory Nov. 1.

Crowds cheer on Meb Keflezighi in Central Park as he races to the finish Nov. 1.

Meb Keflezighi looks back at Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya after passing him for the finish line Nov. 1.

Meb Keflezighi in Central Park after the race Nov. 1

First place finsher Meb Keflezighi hugs his mother, Awetash Keflezighi, and his daughter, Sara, 3, at the finish line Nov. 1.

Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia comes in first in the women's division at the New York City Marathon Nov. 1.

First place finisher Derartu Tulu greets fourth place finisher and defending champion Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain as she crosses the finish line.

Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain at the finish line Nov. 1.

Leading runners hit the streets of New York.

US marathon runner Meb Keflizghi, center, runs with the pack before his win.

Runners pass over the Pulaski Bridge from Brooklyn to Queens with the Empire State Building in the background.

A runner pats a wheelchair competitor on the back while passing him as they make their way over the Pulaksi Bridge.

Switzerland's Edith Hunkeler rejoices after finishing first in the women's wheelchair division of the New York City Marathon Nov. 1.

Runners cross the Verrazano Narrows Bridge at the start of the ING New York City Marathon, Nov. 1.

Kurt Fearnley of Australia gives a thumbs up after coming in first in the men's wheelchair division of the New York City Marathon Sunday, Nov. 1.

Geoffrey Kennedy, of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, crosses the Verrazano Narrows Bridge at the start of the ING New York City Marathon.

Australia's Kurt Fearnley and Edith Hunkeler of Switzerland pose after coming in first in their wheelchair divisions.

Paula Radcliffe leads the women's elite runners across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge at the start of the ING New York City Marathon on Nov. 1.

Dennis Marsella, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. crosses the Verrazano Narrows Bridge at the start of the marathon Nov. 1.

Paula Radcliffe, center, leads the women's elite runners across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.

Britain's Paula Radcliffe, second from right, and Yuri Kano of Japan, left, begin the 40th running of the New York City Marathon from Staten Island on Nov. 1.

Runners and fans jog with Lance Armstrong in Manhattan for a group run in Central Park on Oct. 31. Following a Twitter notice, Armstrong arrived at Niketown to begin the run. Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner, ran the New York City Marathon in 2006 and 2007.

Lance Armstrong stands with runners and admirers before a group run in Central Park on Oct. 31 in New York City.