Running a marathon requires both physical and mental endurance, along with dedicated training, to carry you through the 26.2-mile race. Few people find it appealing to spend hours logging miles on a weekend, so it’s not surprising that the annual worldwide number of marathon finishers is about 1.1 to 1.3 million—about 0.1% of the global population. Even just completing one marathon is an impressive feat. But running more than one? As a septuagenarian? That’s even rarer.
James Thomas, 78, completed the 2026 New York City Marathon in about 14 hours (which typically takes between three and six hours). By the time he approached the final stretch, it was dark. But Thomas was undeterred. He crossed the finish line to raucous cheers from the crowd, buzzing with the same enthusiastic fanfare that earlier runners received. Thomas looked appropriately exhausted, but he took his medal and seemed grateful for the support. He was the final person to finish the New York City Marathon, completing the course at around 11:20 p.m.
Thomas ran his first New York City Marathon in 1980, and 2026 marked his 43rd finish. It will be his last time running the race, which he shares is about more than just staying on your feet the whole time. “Your mind says, ‘Yeah, you can do it,’ but it’s your body that’s gonna carry you,” he said in a video shortly after finishing. “It’s gotta work as a team.”
Thomas’ marathon finish is a powerful reminder that completing a road race—no matter the distance—isn’t all about finishing in a top spot. After all, the elite runners get the same medals as the people who finish long after them. It’s about persisting through obstacles, both on and off the course, and it shows us we’re capable of doing hard things. In this way, every finish is meaningful, whether it’s a personal record (PR) or not.
James Thomas, 78, completed the 2026 New York City Marathon in about 14 hours. He was the last one, but he wasn’t alone when he crossed the finish line.
View this post on Instagram
Thomas’ marathon finish is a powerful reminder that completing a road race—no matter the distance—isn’t all about finishing in a top spot.
View this post on Instagram
Sources: NYC Marathon: 78-year-old completes 43rd race; 78-Year-Old Finishes 43rd NYC Marathon as Dark-Night Crowd Cheers Him In
Related Articles:
17-Year-Old Athlete Helps Marathon Runner Win the Race After Collapsing
High School Coach Comes From Behind To Win Los Angeles Marathon by 0.01 Seconds
88-Year-Old Athens Marathon Runner Inspires Belief That “We Can All Do It”
75-Year-Old Runner With Worn Down Shoes Finishes a Half Marathon in Under Two Hours
