Last racer finishes Boston Marathon _ in 20 grueling hours

Maickel Melamed, of Venezuela, the last participant to finish this year's Boston Marathon, speaks after receiving a medal from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh during a ceremony, Tuesday, April 21, 2015, in Boston. Melamed, 39, has a form of muscular dystrophy which severely impairs his mobility. He crossed the finish line about 20 hours after he started. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes) Maickel Melamed, of Venezuela, the last participant to finish this year's Boston Marathon, speaks after receiving a medal from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh during a ceremony, Tuesday, April 21, 2015, in Boston. Melamed, 39, has a form of muscular dystrophy which severely impairs his mobility. He crossed the finish line about 20 hours after he started. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)

By Associated Press April 21, 2015 1 min read

BOSTON (AP) – The last athlete to complete the Boston Marathon has received his race medal.

Maickel Melamed was bestowed his award by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh at City Hall on Tuesday, after completing the 26.2-mile course in about 20 hours.

The 39-year-old Venezuelan, who has a form of muscular dystrophy that severely impairs his mobility, crossed the finish line around 5 a.m.

Melamed and his team of volunteers endured torrential downpours, thunderstorms, biting wind and cold for the last few miles. They were greeted at the finish line by dozens of supporters.

Melamed said he completed the marathon – his fourth – to show that love is stronger than death.