Keflezighi returns to San Diego after New York City Marathon win

from SAN DIEGO reports THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Five days after winning the New York City Marathon, Meb Keflezighi was back where it began for him.

Keflezighi, who moved from his native Eritrea to San Diego when he was in the sixth grade, was honoured Friday at the San Diego Hall of Champions for becoming the first U.S. man in 27 years to win the New York City Marathon. His time of two hours nine minutes 15 seconds was a personal best.

"It's great to be back in beautiful San Diego," Keflezighi said. "I'm just thrilled to be here. My dream became a reality on Sunday, and it was a great field assembled nationally and internationally. What a beautiful weekend it was."

The 34-year-old Keflezighi spoke in front of an audience of many of the same people who coached and taught him during his school years, including from nearby San Diego High.

"It's good to see all of these familiar faces that have seen me through sixth grade on," Keflezighi said. "From not being able to speak English, to be featured on TV and to run the city of New York and finally win it. I can't put it into words, but I'm going to try: It's just the most gratifying moment of running."

The marathon victory was Keflezighi's first, and came after he recovered from a stress fracture in his hip that hindered the 2004 Olympic silver medallist for more than 18 months. He trained for the comeback in California as well, choosing to rehab in the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes.

"I was ready to hang it up in 2007 when I couldn't walk," Keflezighi said. "Once I made that commitment to come back, we worked hard. What a better way to finish so strong in New York and a tough course and run a personal best ever for me and probably one of the top U.S. times on that course."

Keflezighi has continually competed for U.S. teams in international events despite his African roots, and will do the same in attempts to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Since returning from the injury, Keflezighi has also won a half-marathon in San Jose and set personal bests at seven-mile distances.