A runner from Down has received huge plaudits for his selfless act during the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Aaron Beggs, of the North Down running club, was taking part in his first ever Boston Marathon when he was seen carrying over a fellow runner who had fallen late on in the race.

Ajay Haridasse stumbled and fell after the 26-mile mark and was visibly struggling to get up. Haridasse told the Boston Herald he was’ getting ready to crawl’ when Beggs, along with Brazilian runner Robson Oliveira, came to the rescue.

boston marathon
Runners take off at the start of the 130th Boston Marathon on April 20, 2026. Pic: David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Beggs had lifted Haridasse up to his feet, but was struggling to get him moving again when Oliveira came over. The pair hoisted Haridasse up and carried him over the finish line in a great showing of sportsmanship.

Oliveira was actually on his way to a personal best, but stopped to help the stricken runner. Beggs himself still ran an immensely impressive marathon time of 2:44.36.

Oliveira posted the video of the moment on his Instagram and went through what was going through his mind when he decided to help Haridasse.

Begs helping Haridasse up. Pic: @OnlyBangersETH/ X

‘It was a split-second decision,’ Oliveira explained. ‘When I entered the final stretch of the marathon, I was just a few meters away from achieving my personal best, but in the distance I saw Harridasse collapsing.

‘I knew I wouldn’t have the strength to help him on my own. In that moment, I thought, “God, if someone stops, I’ll stop too and help him.” And God was so generous to us that Beggs stopped, and I knew I could help, because two are stronger than one.

‘I’m grateful to God for the strength He gave us in that moment, and that Harid didn’t give up. My friend, you were incredibly strong! Congratulations on the race — this is the spirit of Boston! #BostonStrong’

Begs and Oliveira helping Haridasse up. Pic: @OnlyBangersETH/ X

Oliveira then vowed to come back next year to finally break that personal best.

‘Thank you Boston Marathon for giving me this experience! I’ll be back here in 2027, God willing. I won’t give up on breaking the 2:40 barrier in this distance!”

Beggs commented on the post saying: ‘Fantastic for you to and selfless commitment to put others before yourself. And the fact not many people realise you gave everything to help and ended up in a worse state than the guy we helped, true star.’