Parore, who is a personal trainer in New Zealand, took hold of the back of Akaka's bike to push him the remainder of the race. Photo / Instagram
Parore, who is a personal trainer in New Zealand, took hold of the back of Akaka's bike to push him the remainder of the race. Photo / Instagram
A New Zealander who flew to New York to run in the city's famous marathon has been praised after he stopped to help push a struggling disabled racer in a hand-cycle to the finish line.
Ben Parore headed to the US with charity Cure Kids New Zealand in a bidto raise funds for medical research.
The 30-year-old was about halfway through the gruelling 42km race on Sunday when he came across 59-year-old James Akaka in his hand-cycle.
After getting a photo with Akaka, Parore realised the 59-year-old athlete was struggling.
But instead of running off to complete his race, the Kiwi runner asked if the Hawaiian-born racer wanted to be pushed along.
Akaka, who cannot speak, gestured that he'd be grateful for a hand, so Parore jumped behind the hand-cycle - and the pair carried on the race together.
"The race was amazing. It's my first time doing the New York Marathon and my heart was so full just being with thousands of people representing their families, cultures and countries.
"I was loving the race, so hyped being on the streets. Wow, what a feeling."
It was at the 21km mark, halfway through, when Parore found Akaka.
"He was giving it his all. He couldn't talk to me but he could hear me… it's like we were supposed to race together," he said.
