Boston Marathon 2026: Runner gives up personal best to save collapsing competitor in final stretch

A moment from the Boston Marathon 2026 is gaining traction online for showcasing sportsmanship near the finish line. The video has quickly become one of the most talked-about highlights from the race.

Struggle just before the finish

Ajay Haridasse, a 21-year-old first-time runner from Massachusetts, was very close to completing the marathon. But things suddenly became difficult for him near the end.

He was facing severe dehydration and strong muscle cramps after covering almost the full distance. On Boylston Street, just a few metres before the finish line, he fell multiple times and struggled to stand.

Later, speaking to the Boston Herald, he said, “After falling down the fourth time, I was getting ready to crawl.”

Two runners step in

At that crucial time, two fellow runners noticed him. Aaron Beggs, a 40-year-old from Northern Ireland, and Robson de Oliveira from Brazil were approaching the finish line themselves.

They were just moments away from finishing their own race. Still, they chose to stop.

Both of them went back, helped Haridasse stand, and supported him from either side. Together, they slowly moved forward and crossed the finish line.

A decision that came with a cost

For Robson de Oliveira, helping Haridasse meant letting go of his personal best timing. He later shared what went through his mind at that point.

He wrote on social media, “It was a split-second decision. When I entered the final stretch of the marathon, I was just a few meters away from achieving my personal best, but in the distance I saw [Haridasse] collapsing. I knew I wouldn't have the strength to help him on my own. In that moment, I thought, ‘God, if someone stops, I'll stop too and help him.”

As mentioned in the report by the Boston Herald, Ajay Haridasse also spoke about this, saying, “If he didn't help me, that would have been his fastest race ever.”

After the race

As mentioned by NDTV, all three runners were taken to a medical tent after finishing. It was reported that de Oliveira, in particular, faced more serious dehydration due to the extra effort.

Even after this delay, all three runners managed to meet the qualifying standards for the 2027 Boston Marathon.

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