After 40 years, an American woman has taken the win home for the U.S.A. for the Annual New York City Marathon. 36 year old Massachusetts native, Shalane Flanagan, won the annual marathon with a time of 2 hours 26 minutes and 53 seconds; she was just one minute ahead of Kenyan Mary Keitany, which is so rare that it’s almost unheard of.

Shalane Flanagan is not new to running; she has set records in world competitions and has won various Olympic medals. Flanagan is a former American record holder for the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. She finished second in the 2010 New York City marathon and fourth in the 2014 Berlin Marathon, but this was her year to shine.

Aside from her running accomplishments, she is also a parent to 2 teenage twins alongside her husband. Earlier this year, she went on vacation with her family, something she hadn’t done in years. She told ESPN, “When life gives you lemons make lemonade… let’s celebrate the fact that I have time to do this with them. It’s one of the best vacations I’ve ever taken.”

This has definitely been a year to remember for Shalane Flanagan.

Source: FoxNews.com, WBUR.com