First-Timer Wins NY Marathon

How’s this for beginner's luck? Gebre Gebremariam from Ethiopia had never run a marathon before today’s New York Marathon which he won by over a minute, finishing in 2 hours 8 minutes and 14 seconds. Haile Gebrselassie, the world-record marathoner, was the most-hyped runner in Sunday’s marathon, but he dropped out on the Queensboro Bridge in the 16th mile because of tendonitis in his right knee. At the bridge, Gebremariam moved in front along with a pack of four runners, but by the time he reached Central Park in the 24th mile, it was just him and Emmanuel Mutai, who came in second at 2:09:18. Said Gebremariam, “I can’t believe it. I am so happy. It’s my first marathon, and I wasn’t sure I could win, but now I’m sure.” He is the first man to win his marathon debut since Rod Dixon in 1983.