Its one of the biggest races in the world, yet its been twenty seven years since the New York city Marathon was won by an American.   34 Year old Meb Keflezighi changed that on Sunday, as he crossed the finish line with a time of 2:09:15.  His personal best.   He's the first American citizen to take the top spot since 1982.  On the women's side, 37 year old Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia, won her first NYC Marathon, with a time of 2:28:52.

Nearly  44,000 runners from all over the world came to pound the pavement for the 40th anniversary of the NY marathon.   Ian Wakefield, who turns 50 this year, flew in from Jarrow England, for what he called his final race.  He first ran New York 25 years ago, and has run marathons in several different countries since, but says NY is the best of them all.  "The music (from bands stationed along the course) is great, the crowds are really positive.  Its the atmosphere that makes all the difference" Wakefield says.  Australian Peder Haugen has run 9 marathons in his home country, and this year, decided to take on the NY challenge.  "New York has the most enthusiastic crowds, fantastic scenery and finishing in Central Park has been an amazing experience" he says.  Thousands of fans lined the streets, holding signs and screaming cheers for athletes, who ran a course that wound through the streets and bridges of all five boroughs.  Several handed out water and orange slices to grateful racers.  Many runners called it the most challenging of all marathons because of all the bridges and hills.

New York transplant Sara Laytham didn't let turning 40 and giving birth to a baby girl 5 months ago prevent her from training and running the 26.2 mile course this year.  The single mom who works full time, says "I wanted this to be an inspiration for my new daughter, Alexis, and hopefully we can run the marathon together someday"

Since the race just happened to fall on the day after Halloween, some athletes even dared to run in costume.  One man was in a full "Star Wars" R2D2 outfit, while another had on a gorilla suit.  A few women raced as cheerleaders.   Fans on the sidelines handed out candy to athletes as well, possibly left over from the night before.  There was a big sigh of relief from race organizers, as mother nature cooperated with a 50 degree sunny day.  "We've been at this for 40 years now, and it gets better every year" one race official said.

Next up for winner Meb Keflezighi?  He says it may be a marathon in either Boston or London.   Either way, race fans will be predicting an impressive performance.