Local reaction to San Diegan 2014 Boston Marathon winner
Boston strong, San Diego proud. The running champion now has universal appeal – and he’s local. A humble acceptance of an amazing honor. Meb Keflezighi represents good over evil: an American taking the Boston Marathon back.
“Just seeing him today, being so happy winning, overwhelming to see, how much he appreciated winning that race today,” said James Gale of Road Runner Sports.
San Diegans are proud of a man who is a role model for everyone.
“I’ve met him at a cross country race before. He is the sweetest guy,” said high school track coach Ashley Abshier. “To have Meb win, and he’s a San Diegan, is perfect almost.”
After Meb’s crowning moment, local dignitaries took to social media to congratulate the San Diego man. Mayor Faulconer was on Twitter:
“I think it was fantastic to see Meb do as great as he did to win especially this year. The entire country came together. A great day for us, Boston and a great day for San Diego.”
An inspiration, right where we live.
“I think we’re a pretty active city in general, but it’s nice to tell kids this guy’s from San Diego,” said Pacific Beach resident Meghan McKinney. “Put down the video games, let’s go for a run, let’s go outside, it’s gorgeous out.”
No Superbowl, no World Series yet, but a Boston Marathon winner? We’ve got that.
“Definitely gives San Diego hope,” said Heather Dunn, another Pacific Beach resident. “We can get out there and start winning more things.”
“I can’t imagine doing a marathon like that; not only completing, but winning one at that level,” said SD local Corey Dudley. “Must take a lot of dedication and hard work.”
Sentiments from runners, some who now have hope to be like Meb.
“I would love to be able to do what this guy did,” said another resident Eduardo Longoria. “I think the human body, to be able to run a marathon, is something to be admired. If he was able to do it… you said he won? Yeah… from San Diego? 2 hours 5 minutes… 2 hours five minutes!? I got to go running guys!”
The next local marathon is the Rock and Roll Marathon June 1st; that’s something to shoot for. Good luck, we’ll be cheering you on.
