Dave and Jon ran most of the race together. About 3/4 through the marathon, Dave put on his headphones and picked up his pace a little. We were able to cheer them on around mile 19. They had been together up until this point. We first saw Dave come down the hill and about 30 seconds later Jon came down. After cheering them on, we hopped back in the Jeep & headed to mile 20.
We all wanted to encourage Jon with our cheers, but my brother Eric was the one who took off his sweatshirt, rolled up his jeans & tighted his laces to prepare to run beside Jon for about a mile to encourage him. At mile 20, we saw Dave first and then about 1 minute later Jon showed up. Eric joined him, planning on running for 1 or 2 miles. The rest of us got back in the Jeep & headed to mile 22. Dave got there first & we were expecting to seeing Jon 1 or 2 minutes behind Dave, but he had made up some time having Eric running with him. Dave & Jon were only about 30 seconds apart.
Eric was supposed to join us & drive to the finish line, but he just kept on running. (Keep in mind, Eric has tendinitis in his knee, a sprained ankle & he is wearing JEANS!) At this point, the rest of us drove back to our rental house & then headed to the finish line that was about 1/4 of a mile from where we were staying.
The last 2-3 miles got really difficult for Jon. Eric really helped him mentally & physically. When Jon would feel like he had to walk, Jon would put his arm around Eric's shoulders & Eric would help him stay on his feet & then encourage him to run. Eric would remind him that he could keep going. Jon is really grateful that Eric ran those 6 miles with him. He says he could not have finished without Eric.
Probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen was my brother & Jon running toward the finish line to finish the marathon. You could see Eric talking to Jon and encouraging him to take every step.
Dave & Jon finished about 1 minute apart. Dave finished at right under 4 hours & Jon finished in 4 hours & 30 seconds. I was so proud of both of them. (And proud of my little brother!!!!!)