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Americans Take Third at Boston Marathon

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 20, 2009 4:13 PM CDT
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(AP) – Ethiopia’s Deriba Merga overcame the disappointment of his Olympic fade to win the Boston Marathon today, and Kenya’s Salina Kosgei won the closest women’s race in the history of the event. Americans took third in both races for the best US finish since 1985. Merga, who was passed in the last quarter-mile, pulled away and won in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 42 second—almost a full minute ahead of Kenya’s Daniel Rono and American Ryan Hall.

Kosgei won a sprint with defending champion Dire Tune, trading the lead several times in the final blocks of Boylston Street before hitting the tape less than a stride ahead of the Ethiopian in 2:32:16. American Kara Goucher led the three as they crossed the MassPike into Kenmore Square with one mile to go, but she was outkicked down the stretch and finished 9 seconds back.

This two picture combination shows Deriba Merga of Ethiopia, at left, and Salina Kosgei of Kenya, at right, winners of the Boston Marathon in Boston, Monday, April 20, 2009.
This two picture combination shows Deriba Merga of Ethiopia, at left, and Salina Kosgei of Kenya, at right, winners of the Boston Marathon in Boston, Monday, April 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Third-place womens' finisher Kara Goucher, of Portland, Ore. reacts after crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday, April 20, 2009.
Third-place womens' finisher Kara Goucher, of Portland, Ore. reacts after crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday, April 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Marathon runners Salina Kosgei, of Kenya, left, defending champion Dire Tune, of Ethiopia, center, and Kara Goucher, of the USA, right.
Boston Marathon runners Salina Kosgei, of Kenya, left, defending champion Dire Tune, of Ethiopia, center, and Kara Goucher, of the USA, right.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
Deriba Merga, of Ethiopia, center, eventual winner of the 113th Boston Marathon, runs with Ryan Hall, of the United States, left, and four-time winner Robert Cheruiyot, of Kenya, right.
Deriba Merga, of Ethiopia, center, eventual winner of the 113th Boston Marathon, runs with Ryan Hall, of the United States, left, and four-time winner Robert Cheruiyot, of Kenya, right.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Third-place finisher Kara Goucher of Portland, Ore. reacts after crossing the finish line of the 113th Boston Marathon Monday, April 20, 2009 in Boston.
Third-place finisher Kara Goucher of Portland, Ore. reacts after crossing the finish line of the 113th Boston Marathon Monday, April 20, 2009 in Boston.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
NxBigmouthery
Apr 21, 2009 10:57 AM CDT
But not first...so why is third worthy of the headline?

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Boston Marathon • marathon • running

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