Edmonton's Tom McGrath fastest Canadian at Boston Marathon

The Edmonton man who clocked in as the fastest Canadian in this year's Boston Marathon says he is inspired by the way the city responded to 2013's fatal bombing.

"This was definitely the loudest Boston yet," said Tom McGrath, who marked his third time running the marathon on Monday.

"Just a lot of energy from everyone ... it felt a lot like Boston was taking their marathon back. Bringing it back to what it is and all the history of the race. Back to what it should be."

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His time of two hours, 30 minutes and 24 seconds, which placed him 101st overall,put him 10 seconds ahead of Ontario runner Lanni Marchant, who was Canada's fastest female runner.

California's Meb Keflezighi took first place overall, becoming the first American to win the race in more than 30 years.

McGrath, who has run in seven major marathons, said he didn't quite hit his goal time. However, he said he's pleased with where he finished in what he calls "a very difficult race."

"It's always been one of those things on the list to doto be the top Canadian in one of these major marathons," he said.

"I finished second a few times and finally got my shot today."

Bostonians inspire return to race

McGrath ran in last year's marathon, when two bombs built out of pressure cookers exploded near the finish line, killing three people and injuring more than 260. He said he originally planned not to run the race this yearbut found himself inspired by the way that Boston residents responded to last year's tragedy.

"After all the events last year and the support we got from Bostonians everywhere the day after the race and the events of last year, I know I was going to come back. I had to," McGrath said.

"I'm happy to be here and happy to support Boston, because they deserve it."

He said last year's attack dominated his thoughts leading up to the race, up until the point that the starting pistol fired.

McGrath plans to celebrate the win by grabbing "a greasy burger somewhere" and sightseeing in the city.