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The final approach toward the Boston Marathon Finish line on Boylston Street is where great runners experience what may be the most important running highlight of their lives. The Legendary Finish Line just ahead, nearly 26.2 miles finished, these final yards of running on the greatest marathon on the world are strides of ultimate celebration.

And then you're crossing the line. You've done it. You're among the running world's best, proud runners who've finished Boston. Welcome to the hallowed ground of the Finish Line. Welcome to the club of Boston Finishers.

This is what the experience looks like, in images taken by 13-consecutive-time Boston finisher, Raymond Britt.

For everything else you want to know about racing the Boston Marathon, visit our comprehensive Boston Marathon Qualifying Advice, Race Strategy Results Analysis, Images, and more page.

Ironman Melbourne 2014 maintained its reputation as one of the top events in two highly desired categories:

Fastest Ironman courses in the world: Average finish time 11:37, about one hour faster than normal
Easiest Ironman events an athlete can qualify for Kona: with 100 slots available, more than 5% qualified

Our results analysis indicate that 2014 performances were about average for Ironman Melbourne. Overall finish time was about the same as in 2012; and when you factor out the fact that conditions shortened the swim by half, splits were fairly consistent with 2013 as well.

We've run the numbers to examine Ironman Melbourne 2014 from every angle: Overall, by average finish time, by split, by year, by age group, by finishers and DNFs, plus a correlation between bike and run splits. Our analysis is presented below.

For a more comprehensive view of Ironman Melbourne 2014, see our other related articles,