NORTH Down Athletic Club’s Aaron Beggs has gone viral after he stopped his run to help a struggling competitor cross the line at the Boston Marathon.
Almost three hours into the world-famous, 26.2-mile race, with the finish line in sight and a personal best within touching distance, Beggs ignored his own ambitions when he spotted Ajay Haridasse lying on the ground.
He did not hesitate in stopping to attempt to pull his fellow runner to his feet, but it quickly became evident that it was a two-man job.
Thankfully, with Haridasse continuing to struggle, further help arrived. Robson De Oliveira, also chasing a PB, approached to lend Beggs a hand, before the pair steadied the exhausted runner and guided him over the finish line.
While both runners had shown their humility and compassion in helping a total stranger, Beggs’ actions stood out in particular, as countless other race finishers passed Haridasse without giving him a second thought.
Unbeknownst to him however, spectators had captured the selfless act on camera, and the videos have since been viewed millions of times on social media.
Beggs, who can be seen donning his vibrant yellow and blue North Down vest in the footage, still managed to achieve a PB of 2:34:36 and has been labelled a “superstar” and a “gentleman” by his club.
Posting on social media, North Down AC said: “Our superstar on the finishing straight at Boston Marathon, with a time of 2hrs 44, couldn’t pass an athlete in distress. What a gentleman! What a phenomenal sportsman. Our Aaron Beggs.”
