Boston Marathon First-Timer Stops To Help Collapsed Runner Get To The Finish Line

May 3, 2025

The Boston Marathon is known for its grueling course, intense competition, and passionate runners—but this year, it was also a stage for a quiet act of heroism that touched hearts around the world.

Pedro Arieta, 34, from Niterói, Brazil, was among the more than 30,000 runners taking on the iconic race on Monday. It was his first time competing in the legendary event, and he had his sights set on a personal goal: finishing in 2 hours and 40 minutes.

But just 200 meters from the finish line, something happened that made finishing time the last thing on his mind.

Pedro spotted another runner visibly distressed and crouched on the pavement ahead of him. Without hesitation, Pedro stopped to help.

@sorry.man God I love Boston #bostonstrong #bostonmarathon2025 #marathonmonday #marmon ♬ Take My Hand - Matt Berry

“At the time, you don’t think about it, do you?” Pedro said afterward. “When I saw him fallen, I stopped. It seemed like a normal thing to do. There was no way we could just pass him by without doing anything.”

The moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral, shared across social media around the globe. In the video, Pedro can be seen assisting Sean to his feet and walking with him toward the finish line—prioritizing compassion over competition.

Here's more video footage of the heroic act:

@g1 "Me pareceu o óbvio a fazer" - A Maratona de Boston, uma das mais tradicionais corridas de rua do mundo, foi disputada na segunda-feira por mais de 30 mil competidores. Entre eles, o engenheiro Pedro Arieta, de 34 anos. Era a primeira vez de Arieta na competição. A meta era completar o percurso de 42 quilômetros e 200 metros em 2 horas e 40 minutos. Faltando 200 metros para a chegada, o niteroiense percebeu que um dos competidores passava mal, abaixado à sua frente. A cena foi flagrada e o vídeo repercutiu nas redes sociais e na imprensa de todo o mundo. "Na hora, você não pensa, né? Quando eu o vi caído, eu parei. Na hora, me pareceu uma coisa normal eu fazer. Depois que viraliza, a gente percebe que o simples faz a diferença. Na hora, me pareceu o óbvio a fazer. Não tinha como passar por ele e sem fazer nada", conta. Depois que cruzaram a linha de chegada Pedro e o americano Sean foram em busca de ajuda. Após os primeiros atendimentos, a família do atleta americano agradeceu a Pedro pelo auxílio que só buscava contar a novidade para a esposa, a também corredora Luíza Cravo – a brasileira mais bem colocada na prova. Veja mais clicando em 'leia o artigo' e no #g1 #g1mundo #maratonadeboston #estadosunidos #corrida #tiktoknotícias ♬ som original - g1

After crossing the finish line together, Pedro and Sean sought help from medical staff. Later, Sean’s family reached out to personally thank Pedro for his selfless act.

Pedro’s own finish was humble and quiet—his only wish was to share the moment with his wife, Luíza Cravo, who was also running that day and ended up as the top Brazilian finisher in the race.