Finishing fourth in the men's category was another American, Ryan Hall. Hall, 27, is a rising star on the world running circuit and made headlines last year by running the London marathon in a stunning 2:06:17.

Americans once dominated long-distance running, bringing home consecutive gold medals from 1970-82. Marathon legend Bill Rodgers won the New York City four years in a row from 1976 to 1979, and Alberto Salazar took walked away with successive victories from 1980-82.

The marathon, which began in 1970 with a mere 127 runners, now hosts 38,000 athletes from around the globe, according to the marathon's Web site. Known for its diverse, punishing terrain, the annual event spans all five of New York's City's boroughs, finishing in the heart of Central Park.

Keflezighi and Tulu will each receive $130,000 in prize money.