Anyone come last in a run - help me I'm panicking!

My ex came last in a fell race, behind a 78 year old woman who took a wrong turn and got lost in some woods for a while in the middle

He still got a massive cheer from all the supporters when he finished. And lots of people saying keep up the good work, we want to see you here again next year. So he did, and came 4th the next year!

Years ago a couple of mates and I signed up to a 10k obstacle type course, together with a few other people from the military fitness sessions we had been doing for a while, so we were pretty fit. The Wednesday before the race, which was on the Sunday, I came down with a UTI and couldn't even stand up straight. However, by the Saturday I was feeling better so decided to go to the race anyway, although I wasn't 100%. It was over the other side of the country so we had to get up stupid early to drive there and only just made it in time for the start (we weren't driving, it was a van hired and driven by the fitness instructors). It was twice round the same course, the first time round we were doing well, we weren't up at the front but there were lots of people behind us. However, we didn't realise that you could stop after the first 5k circuit but loads of people did, so eventually we found that we were running on our own - we couldn't see anyone in front and there was no-one behind us either. We kept going (no choice really, we had to get back somehow). At one point I got stuck thigh-deep in the mud and had to be man-handled out by one of the marshals. Our fitness instructors came out to find us and shout encourage us on. Eventually we got back, barely anyone else was there at the finishing line, the car park was practically empty - we were the last by a long, long, long way. The real kick in the teeth was when the timings were published. For some reason all the people who had dropped out halfway through were assumed to have done the whole 10k course so of course their timings looked amazing compared to ours . Plus, because I was over 50, I was categorised as a super-veteran . Never done another race since .

God, Watto, that made me laugh a lot.

But you did it! You’re not sat on a couch...

Not quite last but the only people behind me were an octogenarian, a man with only one leg who was using crutches and a person dressed as a giant shoe!

1 hr 15 really isn't too bad. If you are last with that time then that must mean there are lots of club runners. Can you look at last year's times online to reassure yourself?

Have a look at results from a previous year- that should give you an idea of times. Even then- don't care just go for it! Make friends with the guy on the bike at the back and enjoy!

I would cheer loudest for the last person in a race-it's so great to see someone working hard!

Of all the excercisr threads on here over the years I have been most inspired by this one. Well done everyone. I have a horrid expectation of myself and give up on things if I’m not one of the best but this has really made my rethink things. I’m out tomorrow to plod a few K and go from there.

It really depends on the race.
I did the Weston 10k after a month of chest infection. It’s a flat course and there were lots of ‘fun’ runners so I came In about 600 out of 800 or something like that.
I then did a local 10k, the course was really really hilly (1 part is called heart attack hill!!) I came second to last as it was mostly serious runners (all the fun runners had done the 5k!) I was sooo embarrassed with everyone watching me finish, especially as you had to do a back and forth route around the field to get to the finish line!!!

I love BrownTurkey's story of being followed up a hill by an ambulance

Take me a week to do 10k

I doubt you'll even be last with that kind of time! You could always look at last year's results (if the race has been on before) to reassure yourself.

Oh god that bridge! When we got off the bridge onto the tarka trail my friend needed a wee so went off the path. The tail runner chased after her telling her she was going the wrong way 😂😂😂

Me!

They gave me a bottle of wine as a consolation prize

Swampy, I'll be there, knees creaking as I try to get up that rise & back over the river bridge.

kingsclerelass Barnstaple last year was where I came in last 🙂 doing it again this year might see you there! I’ll be at the back 😂😂😂

Finishing last means you didn't need to drop out, so you're in a better position than those people really.

You won't be last, I absolutely guarantee it.

I ran a 10k last year, and had only trained up to 8k beforehand, although on hills. I ran the 10k at Barnstaple, where the route is completely flat.
By 9k I was struggling but the thought of giving up in front of my ds was worse so I managed to keep going. Also the thought that I'd have to do the whole flippin' lot again. I have no idea if I was last, By then it didn't matter. Finally did 1hr 17mins.
I'm going back this July to do it in slightly less dishevelled manner.
You are much better prepared than I was. You'll be great.

I came second to last in a duathlon, and it was fine. In fact, after that I realised that my tri targets of not drowning, crashing or falling over wasn't even a minimum as I fell over on the second run and I was so tired I just sat there crying and was rescued by passing teenagers.

A lady local to me is a bit of a pro back marker and totally owns it and is always so encouraging to those struggling, thanks the marshals, and high fives her way to the finish.

Yes! Me and another guy had the ambulance follow us all the way up a long hill 😂. I was announced as last but then the commentator spotted someone half a mile behind me - I was robbed! It's fine at the back, lots of support.

This is us with our sprint finish ❤️

I did 😁 I ran with 2 friends and we came in last. Took us 1 hour 40 minutes and was one of the best races I have ever taken part in. All members from my running club who had already finished waited for us and cheered us in. We felt like winners - it was amazing. I would never be scared of coming in last again.

Yes to a lady with prosthetic legs... In a fell race. I got an Easter egg for coming last and still smiling.