That is tiny compared to the 400,000 people who finished marathons last year, according to USA Track & Field, the governing body for the sport.
The number of runners who finished marathons in the United States, where 7 of the world's 15 largest races took place last year, increased to 507,000 in 2010 from 25,000 in 1976, according to RunningUSA, an organization that promotes the industry.
According to Running USA, over 541,000 runners finished marathons in the United States last year.
Besides the mind-boggling 10,178 miles raced, thousands of dollars earned for charities, and shattering the world record for most finished marathons, Rob Young is exceptional in one simple regard: He doesn't give up.
"I started the Boston marathon as a girl and I finished Boston marathon as a woman," Switzer says.
German twins Anna and Lisa Hahner, 26, finished their marathon hand in hand.
Ms. Weinstein is glad she did — although after she finished her marathon on Thursday, there was one downside.
Djokovic was soon stretched out like a man who had just finished a marathon, which, in effect, he was.
