Boston Marathon moment
- During the Boston Marathon, Ajay Haridasse collapsed near mile 26 and was helped by two fellow runners. (theguardian.com) - Aaron Beggs of Northern Ireland and Robson De Oliveira of Brazil stopped to assist Haridasse and finished together. (theguardian.com) - The act of sportsmanship became the race's defining human story amid very fast finishing times. (theguardian.com)
Two fellow competitors stopped near the 26‑mile mark of the 130th Boston Marathon to lift collapsing runner Ajay Haridasse across the finish line. (apnews.com) The scene played out on Boylston Street during Monday’s race on April 20, 2026; the helpers were Aaron Beggs of Northern Ireland and Robson De Oliveira of Brazil. (apnews.com) As Haridasse’s legs gave out just past mile 26, Beggs pulled him up and De Oliveira joined, carrying him roughly 1,000 feet (305 metres) to the line in photos and video distributed by the Boston Athletic Association and news agencies. (abcnews.com) Haridasse, a 21‑year‑old from Wakefield and a first‑time Boston entrant, told reporters he fell four times and “was getting ready to crawl” before the pair helped him; he later tracked them down on social media to thank them. (news.sky.com) The human story unfolded amid an unusually fast day for elites: Kenya’s John Korir set a men’s course record in 2:01:52, while Sharon Lokedi won the women’s race in 2:18:51. (wbur.org) Beggs, 40, who runs for North Down Athletic Club, posted an official finish of about 2:44:36 after stopping to help, and De Oliveira, reported as 36, had been on pace for a personal best before he paused. (belfasttelegraph.co.uk) Spectators cheered as the three crossed together and clips of the moment quickly went viral; Beggs’ club publicly praised him as a “superstar” who “couldn’t pass an athlete in distress.” (sports.yahoo.com) Beggs told ABC News, “We’re all on the journey together…we support each other,” and De Oliveira described his action on Instagram as a “split‑second” decision after seeing Haridasse collapse. (straitstimes.com)
