Video Thanks Meb Keflezighi, The “Greatest American Runner Of All Time”

Thank You, Meb

Meb Keflezighi announced his plan to retire from professional running months ago–but most within the running community have been hoping that he was kidding. Yet as his 26th and final marathon inches closer, we’ve all come to realize that this really is the end. After Sunday’s TCS NYC Marathon, Keflezighi will officially retire his racing shoes.

“I hope to be very competitive,” Keflezighi said in anticipation of his final NYC Marathon last month. “Many people are just thinking it’s going to be a show and about having fun, but I hope that’s not the case until the end.” Keflezighi ran his first marathon on the NYC course in 2002 and has returned several times over the years. He won the NYC Marathon in 2009; five years later, he won the Boston Marathon and came in fourth on the NYC course later that year. “It’s very emotional coming back,” he said. “I’m so excited–but at the same time, it’s bittersweet.”

In recognition of Keflezighi’s storied career–and many Rock ‘n’ Roll races–the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series released a video in tribute to the man Chris Heuisler calls “the greatest American runner of all time.” The video traces Keflezighi’s running career, from his first-ever mile time of 5:20 as a 13-year-old in middle school to his 2016 performance at the Summer Olympics in Rio. During the 14-minute video, we hear from several professional athletes that took the opportunity to say, “Thank you, Meb.”

Watch the video in full above–and don’t forget to tune in as Keflezighi toes the starting line tomorrow morning at the TCS NYC Marathon (here’s how to watch). Check in with Team WR throughout the weekend and on Monday as we deliver race updates from New York City.

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