It made for a nice TV schedule and some say it best simulated expected conditions in Rio but the late start (10am local) didn’t help the runners at all. The forecast called for 81 degrees with pure sun and runners were dropping left and right - 25% did not finish.
Much to the dismay of the crowd and other runners, Galen Rupp took home the men’s win in his marathon debut. 40 year-old Meb came in second and made the team for his 4th Olympic Games. Shalane Flanagan, a favorite on the women’s side, held on for third and immediately collapsed and was wheeled off. Meanwhile, Meb continued to cement his superhero status while hugging his family, helping other runners and posing/joking with the crowd.