“[He’s] enjoying his newfound fame.”
Last Saturday, over 200 runners took to the starting line for the T’Railway Trek Half Marathon in Conception Bay South, Canada.
But by the race’s end, there’d be medalist whom none of the other participants had imagined competing against.
His name is Joshua. He’s a goat.
Joshua lives on the grounds of Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch, a farm along the planned marathon route.
Presumably, Joshua didn’t wake up with plans on running a race day. But as he saw runners begin passing by, he evidently had a change of heart.
The goat slipped away from home to join them.
And with that, Joshua was in the race.
For nearly three miles, Joshua jogged along with the other runners, who, no doubt, were both amused and perplexed by their furry new competitor.
Before long, photos of Joshua began appearing online, where his family back home saw them. They were stunned, too.
Fortunately, several runners were able to get in touch with Joshua’s family and keep him secure until they arrived.
But from there, they didn’t go home.
“We took Joshua to the end of the race, where he received a medal along with all his racing buddies,” the goat’s family wrote.
At the finish line, Joshua was allowed to cross like an official racer.
For his efforts, he was even awarded a gold medal, which he wore proudly.
Since then, Joshua has become a hometown celebrity.
Though it was another runner who technically won the half marathon that day, Joshua won the most hearts.
All without any strenuous training.
“He’s doing great,” Joshua’s family told The Dodo. “He took a day to recover and rest, as he is an older gentleman. But since then, he is up on his feet and enjoying his newfound fame.”
