Runner | Last

"I would be last, but I just wanted to finish." - WVU Health Sciences

In many major marathons, such as New York and London, the final runner is celebrated as an inspiration because they spend the longest time on the course—often battling injury, extreme exhaustion, or physical disabilities—yet refuse to quit.

: Finished on crutches with a total time of 10 hours and 32 minutes after her hip gave out mid-race. Last Runner

: Similar to the Red Lantern in the Tour de France, the last runner in a marathon is sometimes treated with as much reverence as the winner.

: Recognized by running legend Kathrine Switzer as the final official finisher of the 2026 race. The "Last Runner Standing" Format "I would be last, but I just wanted to finish

: A Venezuelan amputee who finished the race after more than 15 hours, stopping every 100 steps to adjust his prostheses.

: It is a tradition for race directors and spectators to stay at the finish line until the very last person crosses, sometimes hours after the official clock has stopped. Notable Examples : Recognized by running legend Kathrine Switzer as

: For the last runner, the race is rarely about competing with others; it’s about a personal victory over the desire to stop.