Don't Kick Sand In His Face

"Come onnnn, Alan!" The crowd recognizes him, and the applause begins. He is alone now, having sent Knutson ahead after 20 miles. Diane has finished. She is wearing a Hefty garbage bag to keep warm. "I don't think any of us have any idea what it's like to carry 222 pounds that distance," she says.

"Come onnnn, Alan!" The applause grows louder. He is running more easily now, though he is clearly unhappy. "Bring it in, Alan. You can catch them!"

He cannot catch them. He is 1,113th. Still, he straightens a little and picks up the pace, his feet flipping lightly to the side.

Run, Alan. Run!