RUN TO OVERCOME
Emigrating from the East African nation of Eritrea to the United States at 12 years old, Meb overcame significant cultural, economic and social barriers on his road becoming an Olympic Marathoner. Meb has competed in four Olympic Games and become history’s first winner of the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon and an Olympic Medal. In 2016, Meb became the oldest man to qualify for the US Olympic Marathon Team.
In his journey, Meb developed his philosophy called “Run To Win,” which says that winning does not mean getting first place, but getting the best out of yourself. Runners from all over the globe have adopted this philosophy as a reminder to prioritize their own wellness.
Today, Meb is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, a highly regarded keynote speaker and a global ambassador for the sport of running. His “Run To Win” philosophy lives on through 26, a brand Meb co-created to celebrate and enrich the enduring spirit of running culture.
From the Beginning
Meb and his family were refugees from Eritrea, who came to the United States via Italy in 1987. He is one of ten children.
Meb began running while a student at Memorial Academy in San Diego, where he ran a 5:10 mile before going on to win both the 1600 meters and 3200 meters at the CIF California State Championships in 1994 for San Diego High School.
Keflezighi became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1998 – the same year in which he graduated from UCLA. While at UCLA Keflezighi received numerous All-American awards and other accolades. He won four NCAA championships (the 5k and 10k outdoor and 5 k indoor) during the 1996–97 season, including the cross-country title, spanning from the track and field season in the spring to the cross country season in the fall.
A three-time national champion in cross country running, Meb won the USA Cross Country Championships in 2001, 2002 and 2009.
His fastest times for some standard distances are 3:42.29 for 1500m, set in 1998; 13:11.77 for 5000m, set in 2000; 27:13.98 for 10,000m, set in 2001 (an American record which stood until 2010); and 2:08:37 for the marathon, set at the 2014 Boston Marathon.
On October 11, 2010, he released his autobiography, Run to Overcome, which was published by Tyndale House Publishers. The book, co-authored with noted sports writer Dick Patrick, included recollections about major milestones in his life, such as his Olympic competitions and other running highlights, as well as his early years, leading up to the present day. He is also the driving force behind the MEB Foundation, the "MEB" standing for "Maintaining Excellent Balance," which principally promotes healthy living, and other positive lifestyle choices and motivation for school-age youth.
On April 21, 2014, Meb became the first American man to win the Boston Marathon since 1983, besting many of the heavy African favorites in a new personal best of 2:08:37. With this victory, Meb became the only Marathoner in history to win the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and an Olympic Medal.
At the end of 2014, Meb was selected for the Jesse Owens Award as the USATF Athlete of the Year.
Run to Win
Following his Boston Marathon win in 2014, Meb raced competitively in seven more marathons, with his final effort coming at the 2017 New York City Marathon.
He now lives and trains in Tampa, FL with his wife Yordanos and three daughters: Sara, Fiyori, and Yohana.
While no longer competing professionally, Meb is a staple at events around the world, from high-fiving finishers at the finish line of the Carlsbad 5000 to providing expert commentary during the Boston Marathon.
Meb continues to encourage others to “Run To Win” in all aspects. This does not necessarily mean always finishing first, but getting the best from yourself in what you do.
Meb’s 26 Marathons
2002
New York City Marathon, 2:12:35, 9th
2003
Chicago Marathon, 2:10:03, 7th
2004
Olympic Trials, 2:11:47, 2nd
Athens Olympics, 2:11:29, 2nd
New York City Marathon, 2:09:53, 2nd
2005
New York City Marathon, 2:09:56, 3rd
2006
Boston Marathon, 2:09:56, 3rd
New York City Marathon, 2:22:02, 20th
2007
London Marathon, DNF
Olympic Trials, 2:15:09, 8th
2009
London Marathon, 2:09:21, 9th
New York City Marathon, 2:09:15, 1st
2010
Boston Marathon, 2:09:26, 5th
New York City Marathon, 2:11:38, 6th
2011
New York City Marathon, 2:09:13, 6th
2012
Olympic Trials, 2:09:08, 1st
London Olympics, 2:11:06, 4th
2013
New York City Marathon, 2:23:47, 23rd
2014
Boston Marathon, 2:08:37, 1st
New York City Marathon, 2:13:18, 4th
2015
Boston Marathon, 2:12:42, 8th
New York City Marathon, 2:13:32, 7th
2016
Olympic Trials, 2:12:20, 2nd
Rio Olympics, 2:16:46, 33rd
2017
Boston Marathon, 2:17:00, 13th
New York City Marathon, 2:15:29, 11th
