A selfless runner produced one of the London Marathon’s most iconic moments at the 2017 race.
Matt Rees stopped to help complete stranger David Wyeth complete the final 200m in the capital.
London MarathonRees stopped to help Wyeth cross the line at the 2017 London Marathon[/caption]
London MarathonHe told his fellow runner ‘we’ll cross the line together’ with 200m to go[/caption]
The finishing line was in sight before Wyeth’s legs gave way due to exhaustion.
With the Chorlton Runners athlete barely able to continue, he began to walk before struggling to remain standing.
This prompted Rees to stop and help his fellow runner as they approached the finishing line.
The Swansea Harriers runner told him: “We’ll cross the line together,” as he put his arm around Wyeth.
Rees said afterwards, via the BBC: “I came round the final corner and I saw a runner struggling, his legs were collapsing beneath him. Every time he tried to get up, he kept on falling back to the ground.
“I went over to him and said ‘come on, you can do this’ and tried to gee him up.
“But every time he tried to get up, I realised he wasn’t going to make it.”
He added: “So I put his arm around mine and we walked it to the line. The crowd were incredible, they were cheering us on.”
A race official joined them to aid their efforts as the crowd applauded and cheered on the trio.
Prince William was amongst those watching on as they made their way towards the line.
London MarathonA race official joined the pair to help them over the line as the crowd cheered[/caption]
London MarathonWyeth received immediate medical attention as they completed the race[/caption]
They ultimately finished the race in a time of 2:52:26, with Rees losing numerous places due to his sacrifice.
Wyeth was immediately attended to by paramedics after they crossed the finishing line.
He was shocked by Rees’ selfless act, explaining: “For someone just to stop their own race to help you, that’s such a decent thing that he did.
“I was urging him to move on, you know please don’t sacrifice your race for me. But he stuck with me and I think a volunteer also joined me on the other side.
“I got up, they helped me up, and I just tried to keep moving.”
The moment later inspired the London Marathon’s Spirit of London campaign.
It aims to celebrate and highlight the individuals who reflect the spirit of the event.
Meanwhile, Wyeth and Rees started the 2018 race together a year later.
The 2025 edition takes place this weekend from 8.50am on Sunday.
