NYC Marathon: Flanagan Of US Makes Splash In Debut

NEW YORK (AP) — Shalane Flanagan of the United States did so well in her debut at the New York City Marathon, she may run it in the 2012 London Olympics.

She finished second Sunday in the race that doubled as the U.S. Women's Marathon Championships. Her time of 2 hours, 28 minutes, 40 seconds was the fastest among the American women, earning her the $40,000 first prize.

Flanagan, of Portland, Ore., won the bronze in the 10,000 meters at the Beijing Olympics.

"My passion for the marathon is very strong after today, so we'll see," Flanagan said. "We'll see how the whole next year of track season plays out."

Katie McGregor was second among American women in 2:31:01 (11th overall), and Kathy Newberry was third in 2:35:23 (17th).

Serena Burla of St. Louis, who overcame a malignant tumor in her hamstring this year, was fourth in 2:37:06 (19th).

The American field was without top runners Kara Goucher and Deena Kastor. Goucher, who finished third in the New York City Marathon in her debut in 2008, had a baby boy in September. Kastor is pregnant and served as a commentator for the marathon.

Flanagan, who wore white knee socks and black gloves and arm warmers, was in the pack at the halfway mark. She took the lead briefly at the 15-mile mark and again entering Central Park at mile 23.

"As soon as I started to push, I started to hurt a little bit," Flanagan said. "I was just trying to keep it close and I know not to give up at any point because things can happen."

Her mother, Cheryl, embraced her on the podium when she received the silver medal. Her mother knows about finishing, having set the U.S. marathon record of 2:49:40 in 1971.

Flanagan earned a total of $120,000, including prize money for her second-place NYC Marathon finish.