With less than 1,000 feet left in the 2026 Boston Marathon, Ajay Haridasse's legs stopped cooperating. The 21-year-old Northeastern University distance captain went down with severe cramps - and stayed down, collapsing repeatedly as his body refused to stand. The finish line was right there. He couldn't reach it alone.

Three Countries, One Finish Line

Aaron Beggs, a 40-year-old maintenance worker from Bangor, County Down, was running his own race when he spotted Haridasse by the barrier. He glanced at his watch. Then he made a decision. "My natural instinct was to help," Beggs later said. "I've been brought up with the attitude that you should put others before yourself." He extended both arms and pulled Haridasse upright.

Brazilian runner Robson De Oliveira, 36, came up from behind and did the same. The three men - one American, one Northern Irish, one Brazilian - slid under Haridasse's shoulders together and walked the remaining stretch as one.

The Part Nobody Expected

The moment was filmed and spread across TikTok, Instagram, and every major broadcaster within hours - millions of views. CNN brought Beggs and Haridasse together for a reunion segment. The story was covered by Al Jazeera, NPR, NBC News, the Irish Times, and RTÉ News.

Then came the detail that made everyone smile twice: Haridasse - the one being carried - officially crossed in 2:44:32. Beggs, who stopped to lift him, finished 4 seconds later at 2:44:36.

What They Said Afterward

Haridasse had been running strong at a 5:50-per-mile pace, holding form through 15 miles before cramping started around mile 22. He recovered within two days and returned to his co-op placement at New Balance. "I wanted to give the race everything I had," he said. "And I think I did that."

Beggs - competing for North Down Athletic Club - narrowly missed a personal best by stopping. He didn't dwell on it. "We all need just a nice story in our lives just to make us smile, bring a tear to our eyes with happiness."

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