An Unusual Runner Joins the Race

A loose goat returned home with a medal after he accidentally joined a half marathon over the weekend. The owner only found out when she woke up to find social media flooded with photos of her goat in the middle of the race.

Joshua the goat lives at Taylor's Pumpkin Patch in Conception Bay South. The route for the town's very first Trailway Trek Half Marathon went right by his home.

A Friendly Follower

Mister Joshua is a very friendly little guy. He's used to following people around while accompanying his family on walks. So when he saw people running by, he must have thought it was a cue for him to join.

Fueled by excitement, Joshua managed to escape his pen and started keeping pace with the runners as if he were a trained athlete. Volunteers tried to contain him, but Joshua was determined to run his race, dodging anyone who tried to stop him.

Social Media Fame

Meanwhile, Heidi Taylor, the owner of Taylor's Pumpkin Patch, had no idea that Joshua had made his own morning plans. She only discovered his adventure when she checked social media and saw dozens of photos of her goat mid-marathon.

She used the posts to track his location and showed up with his favorite snacks, which finally enticed him to take a break.

First Place in the Goat Division

Once he was secured on a leash, Heidi took Joshua to the finish line. There, he was presented with a medal for finishing 1st place in the goat division.

Joshua ran an estimated total of 3 miles, but in the eyes of the locals, he was the race's undisputed champion. He's now back home, resting after his big day of unexpected athletic achievement.

The impromptu marathon runner has become a local celebrity, proving that sometimes the most memorable competitors are the ones nobody expected to see at the starting line.