Co Down man hailed a "superstar" for helping runner finish Boston marathon
A runner from Co Down has earned worldwide praise after coming to the rescue of a fellow competitor during this week's Boston Marathon.Former army corporal Aaron Beggs, 40, showed remarkable selflessness when he stepped in to assist a struggling runner, Ajay Haridasse, after scores of other participants ran straight past the stricken man.Ajay bravely attempted to get back on his feet before collapsing on multiple occasions due to sheer exhaustion, just 200 metres from the famous finish line.The worn-out American athlete accepted Aaron's offer of assistance, as the Northern Irish runner hauled him upright. The duo were subsequently joined by Brazilian Robson De Oliveira, who helped Aaron guide the ailing Ajay across the finishing line.The Bangor maintenance worker said: "I was on for a personal best; I remember though at around two miles to go I was feeling the pain, so was talking to myself, to encourage myself to just keep going."I came on to Boylston Street, where the finish line is – could see it in the distance, and that's when I noticed Ajay, trying his best to stand up multiple times. My natural instinct was to help. I've been brought up with the attitude that you should put others before yourself."In a noble act of sacrifice, Aaron gave up his chance of a personal best, crossing the line in just under 2hrs and 45 minutes, falling short of his record time of 2hrs 43mins and 50secs set at the Dublin Marathon. The demonstration of global sporting spirit has earned Aaron widespread acclaim from individuals across the globe. This encompassed a proud announcement from Aaron's athletic club's social media channels, reports Belfast Live.A post on the Northern Down Athletic Club's Facebook page read: "Our superstar on the finishing straight at Boston marathon to a time of 2hrs and 44mins."He couldn't pass an athlete in distress. What a gentleman. What a phenomenal sportsman."Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
