L.A. Marathon: Fellow runners show support during toughest stretch

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The last few miles of a marathon -- where the runner already has, or is about to hit, ‘the wall’ -- are often the most difficult.

So that’s where some runners in the L.A. Marathon will get an extra boost of support Sunday. Fellow runners plan to jump in at the tail end of the race and offer their support by running side-by-side with participants as they try to finish.

It’s ‘to give them that last little boost,’ said 28-year-old Crystal Poole of the San Fernando Valley, who was set up at the 22-mile marker in West L.A. along with another member of her running club and a friend.

PHOTOS: The 2013 Los Angeles Marathon

The three were holding signs that read: ‘Marathoners are sexy!!’ ‘I’m Proud Of You, Perfect Stranger!’ and ‘Free High Fives.’

Poole, who has run a marathon before and was just out Sunday to show her support, said that companionship can be important, ‘especially this late in the game.’

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-- Ari Bloomekatz in West L.A.