Buttmunker

Great story. Ray Garraty appears to win the marathon -- but can anyone explain the ending to me. What was your interpetation?

Mine = The black shape Garraty runs towards is either death or insanity.

Goblincat

I read this great story every 6-7 years, and each time I cannot remember how it ends. I'm only a year or two away from my next attempt, so I'll let you know then.

Samuel

I always saw it as death coming for him but it could have been Garraty hallucinating. After all he went through really put a strain on his phsyche.

Tsar Chasm

I was lucky enough to read this book when it originally came out, before the King realization. I think Ginwen is responsible for me reading it then.

Now I have to read it again as I don't remember the end.

Thanks.

silentbob007

I always assumed it was his death ... which was the true Prize that the Long-Walkers unconsciously (or consciously) sought.

mytzplyx

That was uh, the guy waving the flag at the finish line. Yah....at sunset. That's right.