I’m proud to have come last at the London Marathon

I m proud to have come – Clair Roberts, a 35-year-old runner from Milton Keynes, made headlines after completing the London Marathon in 12 hours and 16 minutes—finishing just before midnight. Though she crossed the finish line as the final participant, Roberts described the experience as an “immense honor,” linking her achievement to the charity she now dedicates herself to. Her journey, marked by personal struggles, has become a testament to resilience and the transformative power of community support.

A Marathon of Emotional and Physical Challenges

Roberts, who has turned to the suicide prevention charity Samaritans for help over the past seven years, said the race was more than just a physical test. “I was battling a lot of emotions on Sunday; it was so much harder than I thought it would be,” she shared. Despite the grueling conditions, she emphasized that finishing last felt like a meaningful accomplishment. “To be the last person to cross that line feels really special, and I’m proud of myself,” she added.

“During a really tough time in my life, they saved me from myself. I plunged into very dark times, but it is amazing what one phone call can do.”

Her decision to run the marathon was driven by a desire to honor her personal story. Roberts has been a Samaritans volunteer since the pandemic, answering calls that she describes as life-changing. “I want to show others that there is always hope,” she said, reflecting on how the charity’s support helped her navigate a period of despair. The emotional toll of the race, however, was compounded by additional hurdles. Prior to the event, Roberts had been dealing with a virus and minor injuries, which made the physical demands even more daunting.

The Back of the Pack: A Unique Community Experience

Roberts finished at St James’s Park, rather than The Mall, where runners who take longer than eight hours can use an alternative finish line. This distinction highlights the unique journey of the “back of the pack” participants, who often face both the physical and psychological challenges of the marathon. “You can prepare and prepare, but if it doesn’t come together on race day, it’s a very tough experience,” she said, noting that this was her first time pushing her body to such extremes.

The presence of tailwalkers has become a crucial part of the support system for slower runners. These volunteers, who accompany participants beyond the eight-hour mark, ensure they have assistance as the roads close and the crowd thins. Introduced five years ago after criticism of the 2019 race, tailwalkers now play a vital role in uplifting the final finishers. “Their grit and determination and the stories they tell about why they are participating inspire us all to keep coming back,” said Jo Gennari, who works for the NHS and was pivotal in establishing the tailwalker team.

“It’s such a joy and a privilege to lead the tailwalker team. We know how hard those participants work to complete the 26.2 miles on the pavement as the crowds thin and they head to the secondary finish.”

Gennari recalled the challenges of the 2019 marathon, when slower runners faced heckling from contractors. This experience motivated her to create a more inclusive environment. “It’s powerful to see them being celebrated as the endurance champions they are,” she said, highlighting the importance of recognizing the effort required to complete the race, regardless of pace.

Celebrating the Final Finishers: A Growing Movement

Shreena Kotecha, who has been working to enhance the experience for slower runners in recent years, formed a group called Team Finish Together. Kotecha, who completed the 2022 marathon in about eight hours, noticed the lack of crowd support for those who took longer. “Witnessing the sheer joy and emotion on the faces of these participants as they crossed the line, knowing they had an entire community cheering them on, was truly inspiring,” she said. Her efforts have since focused on ensuring that every runner feels celebrated at the end of their journey.

“It’s powerful to see them being celebrated as the endurance champions they are, and it reminds us that the marathon is about more than just speed; it’s about courage, community, and achieving something extraordinary together.”

The collaboration between tailwalkers and the final finishers exemplifies a growing movement within the marathon community. By providing personalized support and creating a sense of camaraderie, these volunteers help participants push through their limits. “We’ve made it our mission to ensure that no one feels left behind,” Kotecha explained, emphasizing the collective spirit of the event.

A Personal Mission: From Crisis to Advocacy

Roberts’ fundraising for Samaritans, which exceeded £2,000, has become a symbol of her commitment to the cause. The charity, which she now volunteers for, has been a lifeline during some of her darkest moments. “I was in such a low place, but the Samaritans gave me the strength to keep going,” she said. Her participation in the marathon was a way to channel that strength into action, proving that even in the face of adversity, progress is possible.

Sonya Trivedy, executive director of external engagement at Samaritans, praised Roberts for her contribution. “Clair is a true inspiration, both as a runner and as a Samaritans listening volunteer,” Trivedy said. “Her incredible spirit was clear for all to see on Sunday. When it comes to something as amazing as completing a marathon, you don’t finish last—you just get to celebrate the achievement for longer.”

The London Marathon, with its diverse range of participants, has become a platform for storytelling and solidarity. For those who finish at the end, the event offers a unique blend of personal triumph and communal encouragement. “There’s something deeply moving about seeing someone who has faced so much still make it to the finish line,” Trivedy added. This sentiment is echoed by Roberts, who sees her journey as a reflection of the human spirit’s capacity to endure.

As the race winds down, the secondary finish line becomes a space where perseverance is rewarded. While the main course is associated with speed and competition, the back of the pack represents a different kind of victory—one rooted in determination and the support of others. Roberts’ story, along with those of the tailwalkers and Team Finish Together, underscores the marathon’s broader message: that every runner, no matter how long it takes, has a story worth telling.

The event’s organizers have taken steps to ensure that slower runners are not overlooked. By introducing tailwalkers and expanding the secondary finish line, the London Marathon has evolved into a more inclusive celebration of human achievement. “We’ve learned that every step counts, and every finisher deserves recognition,” said Gennari. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the emotional and physical challenges faced by all participants, regardless of their pace.

For Clair Roberts, the marathon was more than a race—it was a personal milestone that connects her past struggles with her present purpose. Her time at the finish line, supported by the tailwalkers and a community of fellow runners, serves as a reminder that the journey is as meaningful as the destination. “If I could get through that dark period in my life, I could get through this,” she reflected. This mindset, paired with the unwavering support of others, has transformed the experience into a symbol of hope and perseverance.

The London Marathon continues to inspire, not just through its athletic challenges but through the stories of those who complete it. For the final finishers, the event is a testament to their strength and the power of collective encouragement. As Roberts and others prove, the true essence of a marathon lies in the courage it takes to start, and the resilience required to finish—no matter where you end up on the course.