Marathon Champion Keflezighi Rides in Macy's Parade
Meb Keflezighi, the ING New York City Marathon 2009 champion, returned to New York this week to ride in the 83rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He rode on the Statue of Liberty float alongside Miss America 2009, Katie Stam. NYRR talked to Keflezighi about his impressions of the event.
NYRR: Meb, you've said that before the parade you felt like you were getting ready for a race. Was that just excitement, or were you nervous, too?
MK: I couldn't sleep because of excitement and anticipation, just like before a big race. I don't get too nervous anymore, even before races.
NYRR: Your float was a replica of the Statue of Liberty, which, of course, represents America's welcoming of immigrants. How did it feel to be chosen to ride on that float?
MK: It was a big honor. It was very appropriate and wonderful opportunity to be on the Statue of Liberty float, which represents the USA, and with Miss America, Katie Stam. It gave me great pride, as I felt when I was crossing the finish line, wearing and pointing to the USA uniform.
NYRR: Was Katie a friendly riding companion?
MK: Katie was gracious and kind. She was a wonderful companion and we had a great time. The time flew by and we enjoyed each other's company.
NYRR: Did she know how far a marathon is?
MK: Yes, and she was impressed with my time. She doesn't run a lot, but she does exercise.
NYRR: Were your kids at the parade, and did Sara [age 3] have anything to say about you being part of it?
MK: Yes-my wife, Yordanos, my kids Sara and Fiyori, and my sister Adhanet were all in the VIP seating. Sara was very excited for me to be in the parade. She was reminding me about it all week long.
NYRR: What kind of response did you get from the crowd?
MK: I got some funny shouts-“You're the man!” and some chants of “U-S-A,” and some people gestured to their heart and chest, as if to say “I'm proud.”
NYRR: Did the ride take longer than 2:09:15?
MK: Yes, just a bit. We started before nine and we finished about 11:17. Both the marathon and the parade were great moments and memorable times in my life.
