nbc.com Biggest Loser

With the season nearing a close, tonight's episode began with a series of videos and audio clips of the final four from the beginning of the season, followed by clips of their triumphs during their stay at the ranch. It was a fitting way to send home the foursome for 30 days, putting what they've learned to the test before the finale. Also fitting was that each contender returned to the location where they first weighed in, this time a moment of pride rather than spectacle. After 17 weeks, here's where each stands, in terms of pounds lost: Ashley, 143; Daris, 151; Koli, 172; Michael, 204.

After showing off their svelte selves to their communities, Alison explained via video that upon returning to the ranch they'd be participating in a marathon — on foot this time — and completing the 26.2-mile journey would net each competitor $10,000 to the charity of their choice. Though they were spread across the country, the hopefuls were still able to support each other, as Ashley and Michael talked on the phone and agreed to complete the marathon together.

As a reward for winning last week's challenge, chef Curtis Stone visited Daris back home and they went grocery shopping to pick up nutritious ingredients. They brought the goods to Daris' favorite local restaurant, a rib joint that's skimpy on health-conscious offerings, where Stone prepared four Daris-friendly dishes to be added to the establishment's menu: yogurt-based black bean and cilantro soup, smoked trout dip, green bean salad with feta and grilled onion, and grilled pork tenderloin.

But the other contenders weren't lonely for long, as trainers Bob and Andrea hit the road to surprise the whole gang, meet their families, and check up on their progress. And though each hopeful was glad to be back with loved ones, each confessed that being home opened the door to weight-loss obstacles, from Ashley staying out late, to Daris sneaking a midnight snack, to the club scene in Koli's Las Vegas, to the sinful Italian fare of Michael's family.

With 30 days at home behind them, the competitors headed back to the ranch for the marathon. Just as the foursome leaned on each other throughout the season, they got surprise support throughout the marathon, running alongside such "Biggest Loser" alums as Matt Hoover (season 2 winner), Ali Vincent (season 5 winner), Michael Morelli (season 7 runner-up and South Lyon resident) and Sione Fa (season 7 competitor). And as they approached the home stretch, loved ones were on hand to cheer them on and join them in the run... if they could keep up.
Daris, the biggest fan of running among the final four, was first to cross the finish line, setting a "Biggest Loser" record by completing the marathon in 4:02 and change. Koli clocked in second at around 6:08 and then, just as they agreed, Ashley and Michael wrapped up the run together a little shy of 6:27.

Though all four hopefuls were winners at the marathon, only three will vie for the $250,000 grand prize and title of "Biggest Loser." Interestingly enough, the heaviest male and female contestants this season, Michael and Ashley, lost enough weight back home (23 pounds/7.14% and 18 pounds/7.79%, respectively) to compete at the finale.

The fate of Daris and Koli, who lost the lowest percentage of weight (or gained weight) is now up to the viewers. Koli lost 13 pounds (5.63%) during the 30 days back home, while Daris gained 2 pounds, explaining that he was more focused on training for the marathon than losing weight. Want to vote for who you'd like to see join Ashley and Michael in pursuit of the "Biggest Loser" title? Visit NBC.com or weigh in by phone (1.866.492.6801 for Daris; 1.866.492.6802 for Koli) or text (text DARIS or KOLI to 33088; $0.99 per text message; message and data rates may apply).

Next week: Find out who wins it all, and who among the at-home hopefuls takes top honors.