The marathon can evoke feelings of intense elation or soul-crushing disappointment. This simple encapsulation explains why so many around the world become enamored by the mystique of 26.2 miles--good day or bad day, runners get hooked on the idea that they can always do better next time. This is the bond that unites all marathoners. Some reflections about today's race from the professional athletes:

Derartu Tulu: "I have raced with Paula many times and was looking forward to competing with her again today. But I was very disappointed when she fell behind, and I tried to encourage her to keep up, but she was unable to. Overall, I was very pleased with what I did today because it proves that if you work at it and are determined, you can accomplish anything at any age. I hope to run again with Paula in London [in 2012]."

Meb Keflezighi: "Eleven years ago during the summer of 1998, I wrote a letter to Alberto Salazar and said that we need to change USA running. I was asking for the opportunity to become a professional runner and to lead--I visualized becoming a marathoner."

Ryan Hall: "I think you learn a lot more from your disappointments than from your victories, and it's good to have a humbling experience every once in a while. As happy as I am for Meb--I told him that he totally deserved to win--I'm just disappointed because I knew I was in much better shape than what my performance showed. I wanted to bring home a big paycheck for the kids [of the Hall Steps Foundation] and I don't want to feel like I let people down."

Joan Benoit Samuelson: "With every finish line, there is a new opportunity. I've never dropped out of any race of any distance, and I've never run over three hours in the marathon, but I won't run marathons when it's not sensible for me to do so. I don't think I'll be here for the 50th running, but you never know."