Annual Madcow Question

I run with that person and encourage them to keep going. But if they poop out, I keep going.

I actually did something like this (but different). As I was approaching the final turn into the finish strip during my tri this weekend, I was passing a girl who was doing her first triathlon (she saw her friend on the sidelines and yelled something about not forgiving her for making her do the tri). She looked like she was in pain. I slowed down and started talking to her, telling her she looked good. I said "Come one, we'll do this together. You're almost there. It'll be over soon." I almost grabbed her arm to try to pull her along with me (think that would have been a bad idea). She eventually started walking and told me to go ahead, so I went. I wasn't willing to walk at that point (had done enough walking that day!).

To answer the last part of your question - I do not let them win. They have to get the win because they beat me, not because I let them.

Tough question.  I would hope I handle it the same way that I did a similar situation during my first marathon.  This was not for DFL, but just a couple of BOMOP'ers.  During my first marathon (Disney 2002), I was doing great up to mile 22 when I came across another Team in Training person from another state.  I actually passed her before I realized that she was crying heavily and was struggling with the thought of not finishing.  I turned around went back and got her...we walked some and ran some for the remainder of the race.  We even stopped for a photo at the mile 26 marker....then jogged the rest of the way, but at the line, I just stopped.  It wasn't something that I had thought to do along the way, it was a reflex, I had to let her cross the line first.   Even though I could have run a faster marathon time, there was a reflex in me to give up the race for myself and to do all I could to see her cross the line.  To date it was my slowest marathon (5:41), but it still ranks as my most enjoyable one.  A set time goal just wasn't important at that point.

As long as he was pushing it pretty hard so it wouldn't be ridiculously obvious, I'd let him nip me at the line.

guess that kinda contradicts my current sig

My first thought was "if  he was a pleasant guy/gal"   maybe.  But than I think of all my recent finishes.  I sprint like it's the Olympics,  if his sprint is better so be it.    

What about getting a lead and than running backwards and let him pass you by a foot.  But everyone saw you humiliate him?