Grapple in the Apple

RamaalaEurosport
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

Watching Paul Tergat and Hendrick Ramaala run side-by-side over the last mile of yesterday's New York City Marathon was one of the most exciting five minutes of TV I've seen since Lance scorched the field going up the mountain to Courchevel in Stage 10 of this year's Tour de France. My four-year-old son and I both agreed that Tergat looked stronger, but Ramaala showed amazing guts and tenacity before falling just short. A one-second difference after 26.2 miles? Wow. Paul Tergat: for being a great champion, you have been Activated. And Hendrick Ramaala, for digging so deep that you crumpled across the finish line—yet still managed to stop your watch while lying on your back—you, too, have been Activated.

Here is Runner's World's race coverage. MSNBC.com has a great image of the finish.