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Last London Marathon Runner: A Triumph of Hope
28 Apr
Summary
- Finisher used 12 hours and 16 minutes to complete the marathon.
- She raised nearly £2,000 for the Samaritans charity.
- Tailwalkers supported slower runners to ensure their completion.
Clair Roberts, the final participant to complete the London Marathon, finished just before midnight after a 12-hour, 16-minute effort. Roberts raised nearly £2,000 for the Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity she credits with saving her life seven years ago. She now volunteers for the organization, answering calls and offering support. Despite battling a virus and injuries, Roberts found strength in her past struggles to push through the demanding race.
Dedicated tailwalkers, a group of volunteers, provided crucial support to Roberts and other slower runners, ensuring they could complete the 26.2-mile course. These volunteers accompany participants who fall behind the eight-hour pace, guiding them to an alternative finish line as roads reopen. This initiative, established after past criticisms, aims to celebrate all participants' grit and determination.
Jo Gennari and Shreena Kotecha have been instrumental in enhancing the experience for the "back of the pack." Gennari championed the tailwalker program, while Kotecha formed "Team Finish Together" to celebrate and support those who finish later. The Samaritans expressed profound gratitude for Roberts' fundraising, calling her an inspiration and a testament to the charity's life-saving work.
