In Praise of the Back of the Pack Marathoners

Ceux (et celles) qui craignent de se retrouver à la queue du serpent de 40000 personnes qui va se faufiler dans les artères de New York le 7 novembre liront avec intérêt le post "In Praise of the Back of the Pack Marathoners" sur Runner's World, et les quelques commentaires qu'il a suscité, entre autres "What do you call the guy who comes in dead last?  A marathon finisher."
On pourra lire aussi l'article du New York Times (qui a copié son logo sur celui du Little Apples Times) "A Marathon Run in the Slow Lane"
Dans un autre ordre d'idées, et concernant le marathon de Londres, quelques "inspirational last finishers" :

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Major Phil Packer – 2009 – Time 13 days

An Iraq rocket attack left Major Packer, 36, a paraplegic with heart and spinal injuries.  Despite this he took on the London Marathon just one month after he had started using crutches and, to date, has raised £1.3 million for Help for Heroes.  He continues to raise funds for a variety of charities and will be in this year’s Virgin London Marathon.  Please click here to learn more about his 26 miles for 26 charities in 26 hours!!

Michael Watson – 2003 – Six days, two hours, 26 minutes and 18 seconds

After a bout with Chris Eubank in 1991, boxer Michael Watson was left brain damaged and in a coma for 40 days.  He endured 6 operations on his brain but was left unable to walk and in a wheelchair for many years. Chris Eubank joined Watson for the final mile and welcomed him across the finish line.  Asked what had carried him through the journey, he said ‘My faith in Jesus Christ.’

Lloyd Scott – 2002 – Time: Five days, eight hours, 29 minutes and 46 seconds

Having suffered from leukemia, Lloyd decided to take part in the London Marathon wearing a 120lb deep-sea diving suit, which is now at the National Maritime Museum complete with his race number!  Scott has become well known for his spectacular fundraising having raised an astonishing £4 million for cancer charities.

Et n'oubliez pas...

... jours restants....