U.S. woman wins NYC marathon; first since 1977
DERIK HAMILTON/USA TODAY SPORTS To cheers of U-S-A, Shalane Flanagan crosses the finish line and helps soothe city after a troubled week. “We always need a reason to smile in tough times, and hopefully (this) can bring a few smiles to people’s faces.” - Shalane Flanagan Women’s champion 6 nov 2017 - USA TODAY US Edition NEW YORK – A light and persistent drizzle dampened most of the New York Marathon course on Sunday morning, but there was something else in the air, too. It was something magical and meaningful, and it was felt with the enduring tread of each runner, each cheer from the thronged masses in all five boroughs. It was hope and optimism and defiance, a three-tiered shield to soothe this city, as New York put a troubled week behind it and put its best foot (or feet) forward, time and time again. It was the kind of thing that can’t help but lift you, a tonic created from nothing more than human energy and feeling, and it inspired Shalane Flanagan, so much so t...