Despite the tailwind, direct sun made the challenging Boston Marathon course just a little more uncomfortable this Patriots’ Day. And for some runners it became unbearable—and almost dangerous. In total, 2,358 runners, or about 8 percent of the field, received medical attention. 

“We saw a lot of runners with temperatures over 105 degrees,” said Chris Troyanos, a certified athletic trainer who served as the medical services coordinator of the race for the 40th year in a row. “The most common problem we saw were runners who were extremely hypothermic. But we worked to get everyone out of the woods.” 

Troyanos expected the number of runners facing medical emergencies to be much higher. Of the participants who required medical attention, 942 received aid on the course and 1,416 were treated at the finish. (Get the latest running news, tips, and motivation with Runner’s World daily newsletters.)

Before making it to the medical tents, some runners needed help to make it to the finish line. In several different instances, athletes experiencing cramps literally leaned on other race participants and/or volunteers to make it through their race. 

Here are just a few moments of runners helping runners on Boylston Street.

When her legs cramped and started to give out, fellow racers carried Julianne Bowe, 29, to the finish line. 

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Runners and soldiers took this unidentified participant into their arms to get him to across the line and to safety. 

Army soldiers were not about to let Colette Longstaffe, 47, of Lincoln, Great Britain, miss the finish line.

Related: Marine and Amputee Carries Flag During Boston Marathon

Runners help Sarah Bustamante, of Indianapolis, Indiana, to a 3:37:22 finish. 

A Boston EMS worker helped carry this woman through to the finish.

Earl Granville, a veteran who participated on his running blade, was actually in fine shape and picked his guide up, carrying her over his shoulders to the end.

The article 6 Triumphant Moments Of Runners Helping Runners At the Boston Marathon originally appeared on Runner’s World.

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