Some accelerated with adrenaline fueled by the imminent cessation of pain. Others carried a national flag, or a child with whom they wanted to share the warm cheers of the crowds. Some rolled over the line to honor the inspiring courage of Jon Blais. Others collapsed with the nobility of giving every ounce of energy they possessed.

But all offered, in their own way, a prayer of thanks for reaching the finish.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Lesley Paterson of Scotland formed a brave heart symbol with her hands upon earning her second straight XTRERRA World Championship in Maui.

Exuberant age groupers at Pacific Grove.

Cameron Dye offers congratulations to a fellow finisher at CapTex.

Hunter Kemper came through in the clutch at San Diego to join Simon Whitfield as the only two men to make four Olympic triathlon teams.

Manuel Huerta is ecstatic at earning the second U.S. men’s 2012 Olympic slot.

Sarah Haskins Kortuem raced valiantly but fell just short of Laura Bennett for the third and final U.S. women’s Olympic slot.

Nikki Butterfield shared her Abu Dhabi win with daughter Savana.

Dustin McLarty won his first professional victory at Pacific Grove.

The usually quiet and unassuming Javier Gomez strikes a pose after winning the XTERRA World Championship in his first off road triathlon foray.

Rasmus Henning won the last big victory of a stellar career at Abu Dhabi in March.

Rasmus Henning of Denmark bows out of his professional career gracefully at Kona.

Superfrog finisher leaps across the line in Coronado.

Melanie McQuaid was thrilled to win at Ironman 70.3 California just four months after her meltdown at XTERRA Maui.

Melanie McQuaid is treated for blisters after her win at Oceanside 70.3.

Linsey Corbin and Meredith Kessler, Purple Patch Fitness teammates under coach Matt Dixon, finished 1-2 at Ironman Arizona.

Leanda Cave honors the inspiring bravery of the late Jon Blais with her Blazeman roll after winning Ironman Hawaii.

Natascha Badmann offers a joyous, beatific smile after setting the fastest bike split and placing 6th at the Ironman World Championship in Kona at age 46.

Andy Potts placed 7th and first American at Kona.

Andy Potts earned his very satisfied smile at Kona.

Pete Jacobs of Australia kisses the sacred carpet after winning at Kona.