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London Marathon runner stops to help exhausted fellow athlete make it to the finish

Matthew Rees gave us a moment of sportsmanship to remember.

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IT’S LONDON MARATHON day with a record 40,000 competitors pushing themselves every inch of the way over a gruelling 26.2 miles.

There was a Kenyan double in the elite races where Daniel Wanjiru took the men’s title in 2:05:56 while Mary Keitany set a new women-only world record in 2:17:01.

But a little bit further back in the field, Swansea Harriers runner Matthew Rees gave us a moment of inspirational sportsmanship as he neared the finish line.

As he came into the final 200 metres, Rees spotted one of his fellow athletes, David Wyeth, overcome with exhaustion and struggling to stay on his feet.

Without hesitating, Rees sacrificed his own race and time to come to Wyeth’s assistance, determined that the two of them would finish the race together.

With the help of Rees and another race official, Wyeth staggered to the finish line where he was attended to by paramedics.

“Matthew Rees, of (Swansea Harriers), you’ve just encompassed everything that’s so special about the #LondonMarathon,” said a message on the official race Twitter account.

“We salute you.”

Absolutely.

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‘When people said I should go talk to someone, I told them to shut up. I thought I was right but I was weak and lost’

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    Mute Dan
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    Jun 24th 2016, 10:27 AM

    Is someone chopping onions

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    Mute Seán Ryan
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    Jun 25th 2016, 9:23 AM

    Something in my eye… lovely letter

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    Mute Mel Fitzpatrick
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    Jun 24th 2016, 10:36 AM

    That is a really lovely sentiment….fair play.

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    Mute Conor Alexander Lynott
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    Jun 24th 2016, 10:24 AM

    Allons enfants de ls patrie! #Les Bleus

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    Mute An_Beal_Bocht
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    Jun 24th 2016, 1:20 PM

    La jour de gloire est arrivé!

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    Mute David Sheehan
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    Jun 24th 2016, 10:45 AM

    Could do with being translated again by something other than google translate.

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    Mute Gearóid Quigley
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    Jun 24th 2016, 11:50 AM

    Agreed but I also think it adds to the authenticity. Couldn’t help but read it in a French accent! Nice work, Irish fans.

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    Mute Enda Carroll
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    Jun 24th 2016, 4:54 PM

    We’re a great bunch of lads

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    Mute Guybrush Threepwood
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    Jun 24th 2016, 11:18 PM

    Mam? WTF!

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    Mute Meehawwl O'Buachailla
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    Jun 25th 2016, 1:30 AM

    Sap.

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