This a great analogy and lesson that we can take with us to the race as Christians that we are running. The race is not over until the end, even when we feel like we have won!
Diane Dew summarizes it best on a post she wrote. http://www.dianedew.com/runrace.htm
In the world of competitive sports, many very good and promising athletes will compete for a title and even dream of obtaining the prize. However, relatively few will pay the price of the intense physical training and years of preparation that must take place prior to the competition. Even of those who try, many fall out of the race somewhere along the way.
The New Testament draws a parallel from this metaphor, as to the endurance required of believers. (Mat 13:18-23) If we would partake of the Prize set before us, we must remember the words of Jesus: “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mat 24:13; 10:22; Mark 13:13)
Endurance
In any contest, the important factor is not how many begin the competition but who finishes the race and completes the course, who wins the prize. Late in life, Paul declared, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness …” (2 Thes 4:7, 8)
Scripture says we are to “run with patience (endurance, persistence) the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith … For consider Him that endured … lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Heb 12:1-3)”
Enduring to the End
Many focus on the initial speed of their progress, but overlook one far greater factor of successful athletic competition: consistency. We may start out in the front lines, leading, but if our progress is not consistent — if we become entangled with the affairs of this life (2 Tim 2:4; Gal 5:1) — we will fall back as we weary with the stress of the race.
Our lives in eternity are being affected now by the many choices we make daily. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience (endurance), that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Heb 10:35-36)