In celebration of Meb Keflezighi’s 10 year anniversary of his 2014 Boston Marathon victory, we will be featuring a Celebration of Meb, highlighting and sharing an aspect of Meb’s life on and off the track and roads leading up to the 2024 Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15. We are thankful to both Meb and Hawi (Meb’s brother and agent) for their partnership on this feature.
October 21, 1987: the day Meb and his family first arrived to the USA following Russom Sebhatu Keflezighi’s harrowing journey to create a better life for his family.
Meb wrote in Run to Overcome, “I might well have been a victim of the 30-year way between Eritrea and Ethiopia. I was born right in the middle of it – on May 5, 1975 – when life in Asmara was unstable and dangerous…Most of the Eritreans escaped to nearby Sudan, but some were lucky enough to make it to Europe, North America, or even Australia. This is one reason why Eritreans can be found all over the world. My journey and that of my family would be shaped by the war and the desire of my parents.”
Following a six year journey (including five years apart), Russom’s efforts to bring his family to the USA were fulfilled. Again from Run to Overcome, “My parents are our heroes. They have been the ultimate role models in their love and devotion to each other. They have inspired us with their selflessness and hard work…We were together in the Land of Opportunity.”
