They showed up in extraordinary numbers to cheer on the 36,000 runners doing the Boston Marathon on April 12, 2014. One runner reported, “Every single inch of the course had people on it”. Others said the atmosphere was emotional and electric. Meb Keflezighi crossed the finish line to become the first American to win in 31 years. Rita Jeptoo, from Kenya, was the women’s winner for the 2nd consecutive year.