I read this yesterday and do have the same feeling.......
Still remember that was my first run at this route, I joined the run (my fds did not join but came to support me) but got hurt on the way (about 3km) to finish point
I did not see my fds at the finish point as they might not realise that the starting and finishing points are different. I was so painful and felt so cold , and lonely......
But i found my fds in about 5-10 minutes while they were walking up to me from start point, at that moment, I was so glad