Meb Keflezighi’s chances of repeating as the winner of the Boston Marathon were never great, but not because the 2014 champion was himself anything less than spectacular. As a 39-year-old, who has overcome injuries and long odds to forge one of the best careers of any American marathoner of the last few decades, Keflezighi’s emotional win last year (the first American victory in over 30 years) ensured that he was already a legend in the minds of Bostonians. In 2015, he came up a little short, but several events in the race further confirmed him as a local favorite.

Ignoring strong headwinds and inclement weather, Keflezighi was seen pumping up the crowd along the race route as he kept up with the other elite runners in the men’s field. Even with a strong field of international talent, who pushed the pace repeatedly, Keflezighi stayed in the lead group until nearly the end. This was despite the fact that a drink he had taken mid race didn’t sit well.

Keflezighi was very open about admitting a slightly disturbing fact: That he finished the marathon even though he briefly paused to vomit five times after his bad mid-race drink. Yes, Keflezighi shook off throwing up multiple times to finish the marathon, spurred on by cheering crowds who chanted “USA! USA” has he ran by.

It was his final gesture at the finish line that was particularly poignant. Spotting fellow runner Hilary Dionne, Keflezighi took her arm and held it aloft as the two crossed the finish line. Dionne, obviously caught off guard at first, was nonetheless appreciative of Keflezighi’s classy move:

Meb Keflezighi may not have won again in 2015, but his legacy as one of the Boston Marathon’s legends was cemented with a charismatic performance.

Image via @NickDeLuca1

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