2011 New York City Marathon Results: Ed Moran's Showing Gives Him London Hope

American Ed Moran ran his first marathon on Sunday and he posted a terrific performance. He finished 10th overall in the 2011 ING New York City Marathon, and that finish gives him hope of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.

His finish was second to Meb Keflezighi among the United States contingent, which was without Ryan Hall. It's an outing that might have Moran changing his plans to include the Olympic race in his 2012 schedule. A nice option for a runner who could be nearing the end of his career (via ESPN).

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Sunday will be Moran's debut marathon in what he's considering the twilight of his running career. So, at age 30, if he has a marathon in his legs, this is the time to find out, before he takes a shot at the 2012 Olympics. He chose the biggest stage he could find.

Moran is not committing to calling it quits after the 2012 Games, but he admitted he can see the end of his running career in the distance. If anyone considers it late in his athletic life to tackle the 26.2-mile monster, don't blame Moran. He's accustomed to late starts.

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Perhaps Moran is just that: a late bloomer in marathon running. Whatever the case, his outing gives hope to the American team. The United States men have medaled just once since 1980 and will need to consider any possible contender for one of the premier athletic events.

However, Moran will have to overcome African dominance in the long-distance race if he ends up taking part in the marathon.

The top five finishers in the race were all from the continent of Africa. Geoffrey Mutai won the race with a record-breaking time and was followed by Emmanuel Mutai, who is of no relation to the winner, and Tsegaye Kebede in the top three.

It will be extremely difficult for any American, whether it be Hall, Keflezighi or Moran, to outrun Kenya's dominant group. That said, it's always nice for a little-known athlete like Moran to accomplish a life goal by completing a major marathon like Sunday's.

And it showed him big things might still be on the horizon.