Last Runner May 2026

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

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. Last Runner

"I would be last, but I just wanted to finish." - WVU Health Sciences : A Venezuelan amputee who finished the race

: 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 Notable Examples : Finished on crutches with a

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

: 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.