1st Place Runner Collapses 50m Shy Of Finish Line, Gets Help From 2nd Place Runner
August 9, 2017
Rob Gomez had a chance to win the $1,000 prize as the top male finisher in Maine's TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10K after front-runner Jesse Orach had fallen for a second time within sight of the finish line.
Instead of running past Orach, Gomez stopped, pulled Orach to his feet and forcibly held him upright over the last 50 meters before giving him a final nudge forward to make sure Orach crossed the finish line first.
First place runner collapses 50m shy of finish line, helped across by second place runner
Photos of Gomez's selfless act have been circulating on social media and Gomez has remained humble.
"They've put me on a pedestal I don't really deserve," Gomez told the Press Herald. "What people saw was just an example of the running community. It's not really special. It's just what we do."
Photo credit: Ben McCanna / Press Herald
Some wondered how Gomez could pass up winning himself, especially since the first place finisher gets a $1,000 prize.
"It wasn't a calculated decision," he said. "It wasn't because I'm some sort of hero or some sort of special person, because I'm not. As runners, we understand, we pick each other up and help each other."
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Cockatiel Keeps Owner Awake With Earth, Wind & Fire Performance
Meet Bruce: The Mysterious Cat With A Unique Coat
The Cat At This AirBnB Leads Guests On Memorable Hikes Along The Appalachian Trail
Woman Announces Her Passing On LinkedIn, Her Message Is Spreading Far And Wide
The World's Most Expensive Cow Sells For Over $4 Million
Mom Asks For Help After Husband Suggests The 'Worst Name Ever' For First Child
Teddy Has Had Enough! Baby Has Hilarious Reaction To 'Happy Birthday' Song
Simon & Garfunkel Sing 'Baby Got Back' Instead Of 'Sound Of Silence' In Hilarious Mashup
Wild Crow Becomes Little Boy's Self-Appointed Godfather
Mom Knows Best: Baby Bever Tries To Swim, Gets Sent Back To His Room
Dad With Triplets Conquers Home Depot