INVERCLYDE marathon man Tom Tracey had to be helped over the finish line of a major race — and said it showed the true spirit of running.

He was nearing the end of the 26.2-mile Edinburgh Marathon when his leg cramped and he could hardly move.

Tom, 64, said: “The heat was wild, and missing training a while ago when I had a knee problem eventually took its toll.

“I had to run/walk from 17 miles, and had to be helped over the line as my left thigh just went into a complete cramp.

“One of the race crew saw how much pain I was in and ran down to help, and the announcer saw what was happening and read out my name three times.”

Tom added: “The large crowd cheering me on to finish, and crew member Robbie helping me, are symbols of what the marathon is all about — we do our best, but, when needed, we help each other.”

Tom crossed the line in four hours, 58 minutes and 58 seconds to complete his 51st marathon.

The Inverclyde Athletic Club member was raising funds for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.