The marathon has produced some local legends Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Dick and Rick Hoyt but mostly it's about the crowd.

WSJ: A Joyful Day in Boston Ends in Shock

Armstrong, who was paced for most of the race by retired greats Alberto Salazar, Joan Benoit Samuelson and Hicham El Guerrouj, recorded two hours 59 minutes 37 seconds.

BBC: Lance Armstrong during the New York Marathon