Above: Ethiopia’s Gebre Gebremariam crosses the finish line
in Central Park in his marathon debut. (Associated Press)
BY Wayne Coffey
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Originally Published:Sunday, November 7th 2010, 12:03 PM
Updated: Monday, November 8th 2010, 1:15 AM
He took his gloves off in the 23rd mile, flinging them into the air as if they were autumn leaves. His ski cap came off not long after. Soon Gebre Gebremariam was gone, shedding his two top competitors next, a rawboned Ethiopian ruling a remarkable race that included a stunning retirement, an indomitable miner and the largest field in the annals of sport.
“It’s my first marathon, and I’m number one here,” said Gebremariam, 26, not long after he crossed the finish line in two hours, eight minutes, 14 seconds, to capture the 41st ING New York City Marathon Sunday. “I am so happy to win.”
In achieving his upstart triumph on a day when a record 45,344 runners started, the 5-10, 123-pound Gebremariam became the first rookie to win the race in 27 years, taking a prize that most figured would go to his 37-year-old countryman, Haile Gebrselassie, the marathon world record-holder and a man widely acclaimed to be the greatest distance runner in history.
Click here for NYC Marathon 2010: Results, Video, Photos
Related:
Video: Post Race press conference (TsehaiNY)
There is time for everything. The Marathon win diverted to Gebre Gebremariam this time. The good news is one way or the other, Marathon is still in the hands of Ethiopian. It is always exciting and joyful situation to be a winner, though defeat and triumph are hand in hand. I hope Haile Gebreselassie would not be disappointed by dropping out of the track because of his knee problem. I think wishing him good health and great time in the future is the right thing.
Well done Gebre!
Thank you Gebre !!!
As an Ethiopian I am so proud of you. You took over Haile’s responsibility. You also run for our name. Keep up this heroic win.
Bekalu Molla
very good job my brother . very good job
There are no words to express our admiration, gratitude and honor to our great champ.Haile who for almost two decades upheld the legacy of our brave athlets both on the field and the track. The number of records, medals and recognitions he received is worth of a guiness book registration. But I was a bit dimayed to witness Halie’s retirement notice in such a way. I think Haile was too emotional after the outcome of the New York race that he did not give a second thought to his decision. For a man who loves running too much it must have very painful. I hope that Haile recovers and drops this decision to retire after London 2012. My congratulations to Gebre who has been the hero who stood against all odds to win at the cross country race too. God bless all our great athelts! God bless Ethiopia!!
Hi Tadias, Why you didn’t post my comment on this?