: Similar to the Red Lantern in the Tour de France, the last runner in a marathon is sometimes treated with as much reverence as the winner.
In many major marathons, such as New York and London, the final runner is celebrated as an inspiration because they spend the longest time on the course—often battling injury, extreme exhaustion, or physical disabilities—yet refuse to quit. Last Runner
: Recognized by running legend Kathrine Switzer as the final official finisher of the 2026 race. The "Last Runner Standing" Format : Similar to the Red Lantern in the
: For the last runner, the race is rarely about competing with others; it’s about a personal victory over the desire to stop. The "Last Runner Standing" Format : For the
: A Venezuelan amputee who finished the race after more than 15 hours, stopping every 100 steps to adjust his prostheses.