Downed Runner

[judecorp]

Downed Runner
Originally uploaded by judecorp.

While the whole Marathon experience is always intense, I was completely overcome by this man. Out of exhaustion, he laid himself down on the pavement, chest heaving, gulping air. Since he was one of the leaders he was spared the torrent of stampeding competition, and had the road to himself and his pain for several minutes. We watched in stunned silence, and cheering stopped. Eventually a young woman walked over and handed the man her half-drunk bottle of Gatorade, which he voraciously inhaled. Police officers and Marathon officials went over to the man to offer support, and one rubbed his back gently which lodged a lump firmly in my throat. I nearly started to cry watching this strong man hug the ground, trying to buy a little bit of time.

After a few moments he stood and began walking the course to a resounding applause. Thank goodness. I was too overcome with emotion to take any other possible outcome.