Men's Photo Gallery

Marilson Gomes dos Santos reprised his 2006 victory with a comeback win over Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco, who was also second here last year. The 31-year-old Brazilian passed Goumri on Central Park South with about a half-mile remaining and went on to a 24-second victory, 2:08:43 to 2:09:07. Americans took four of the top 10 places, more than any other country's runners.

The pro runners, including eventual winner Marilson Gomes dos Santos, were escorted to the starting line by NYRR Foundation kids.

The pro men started with the first wave of the 39,000-plus field -- up a hill and into a headwind.

A large pack stayed intact, with many different leaders, until past the halfway point.


Gomes and Morocco’s Abderrahim Goumri made a breakaway at about 19 miles; they would take the top two spots.

Daniel Rono of Kenya finished third in 2:11:22.

2005 winner Paul Tergat of Kenya took fourth in 2:13:10 at age 39.


Abderrahime Bouramdane of Morocco, second in Boston this year, was fifth here in 2:13:33.

Three-time U.S. Olympian Abdi Abdirahman of Arizona was the first American finisher, in 2:14:17.

Josh Rohatinsky of Oregon, running his second marathon, was seventh in a personal-best 2:14:23.


Jason Lehmkuhle of Minnesota was the third American and eighth overall in 2:14:30.

In his New York debut, Hosea Rotich of Kenya was ninth in 2:15:25.

Bolota Asmerom of California took 10th (and fourth among Americans) with his 2:16:37.


The lead pack is traveling at well under five minutes per mile.

Gomes and Goumri waged a back-and-forth battle in the final six miles.

When Gomes won in 2006, he was unknown here; this year, all of New York welcomed him back.


Gomes' time of 2:08:43 is the ninth-fastest ever run in New York.

Gomes is the only South American to win the race once, let alone twice.

The ING New York City Marathon 2008 podium: Abderrahim Goumri (Morocco), second; Marilson Gomes dos Santos (Brazil), champion; and Daniel Rono (Kenya), third.


Gomes gets the silver platter, the olive wreath, the prize money -- and a kiss from his wife.