to finish was in his mid 40s, overweight and not what you would expect to see in an half ironman athlete...but he had so much heart and determination! He made me so excited to see him cross that finish line with his son arm in arm! Makes me believe that someday i can finish that race too! hopefully in january when i do my first marathon there will be people waiting for me at the finish line..cuz i'll be in the back of the pack...but i will finish! I too love to watch the back of the pack finish. The first runners are exciting to watch-the back of the pack are touching to watch. Their determination is contagious and inspiring. I recently ran my first half marathon and finished in the back third of the runners. I was so thankful for all of the people who waited and cheered me on. I am determined to do the same for every runner who finishes after me. I'm not fast......but I finish! thanks for answering my question! I'm surprised everyone else feels the same as you do because for me, when I finished my 10k at the very back, I felt defeated and embarrassed, not even really proud. I feel like I knew I could finish, I just wanted to finish in a respectful amount of time. and 2nd to last isn't so respectful! maybe I'd feel differently if there had been someone like you there to cheer me on! :) How