Joshua de Geit wins medal at the Newfoundland marathon

In an unexpected turn of events, a goat named Joshua became the star of a half marathon in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, after breaking free from its collar and running alongside the competitors. Thanks to its unexpected athletic feats, the beloved goat, now called a local legend, earned a medal and the hearts of the city’s residents. That’s how Joshua the goat became a viral sensation, surprising marathon runners and sparking joy on social media.

Joshua the Goat becomes famous:

The T’Railway Trek Half Marathon participants met an unexpected running companion on a quiet Sunday morning. Joshua, one 150 pounds goat attends Taylor’s pumpkin patch. He joined the runners after slipping out of his collar. He ran the marathon 5 kilometers of the 21 kilometers racing, together with other runners.

Heidi TaylorJoshua’s owner, woke up surprised after noticing her social media feed was flooded with photos of her adventurous goat mingling with marathon participants.

“We go for a walk with Joshua and he listens very well,” said Taylor. “So when he saw all the people running, he must have thought, ‘I’m going too.’”

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A goat in a marathon: full story

Although Joshua may not have completed the full distance, his unexpected participation became the highlight of the event. Runners and race volunteers described the sight of the energetic goat keeping up with the athletes. And every now and then he sprints forward as if he is leading the way. The town’s residents quickly embraced Joshua’s spirit on race day, making him the event’s unofficial mascot.

Local marathon runner Vanessa Sutherlandwho met Joshua halfway through the race, shared her first reaction:
“I thought it was a huge dog for me! “Then I realized it wasn’t a dog, it was a goat!”

The joy of the runners was evident as Joshua kept pace and often sprinted to catch up when he noticed he was being passed.

Joshua deserves a medal and the hearts of the city:

Despite his spontaneous participation, Joshua earned his place at the finish. Its owner, Heidi Taylorand her fiancé eventually tracked him down, using a bag of his favorite snack, Cheezies, to get him back into their care. Taylor even brought Joshua to the finish line, where race volunteer Jeanine Scott awarded him a well-deserved half-marathon medal.

“I thought: it’s not every day you see a goat at the finish line of a half marathon, so why not give it a medal?” Scott said laughing.

After his athletic debut, Joshua quickly became the talk of the town. Conception Bay South’s social media page shared the ‘incredible’ moment, which racked up thousands of likes, shares and comments from people around the world.

‘That would make my day – running with a goat! And he would probably beat me!” one Facebook user commented.

Another said: “Well deserved medal for the goat!”

The marathon mascot, Joshua the Goatwas clearly in his element and enjoying his new-found fame. After a long day of running and socializing, the lovable goat returned to Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch, exhausted but content, where he continues to be a favorite attraction for visitors.

Joshua’s life on Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch:

Co-owned by Heidi Taylor, Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch is a family-friendly business where Joshua spends his days interacting with visitors, especially children. Known for his love of popcorn and stuffed animals, Joshua has always been a local favorite. His friendly nature and curiosity make him a fixture on the farm, where families often visit to spend time with him.

“When we close the farm to the public in October, we still encourage visitors to come along just to see it,” Taylor said, emphasizing Joshua’s appeal as a sweet, people-oriented goat.

Conception Bay South’s viral sensation:

The City of Conception Bay South had no idea their local half marathon would include a four-legged runner. But the story of Joshua’s spontaneous race has since gone viral. Joshua the Goat is now a social media sensation, with his photos spreading across platforms and bringing joy to thousands of people outside of Newfoundland.

With his newly earned status as the GOAT of marathon runnersJoshua will continue to charm locals and visitors alike, proving that sometimes the most unexpected moments make the best stories.

While the race may have been about human endurance, Joshua the goat stole the show with his surprising performance at the T’Railway Trek Half marathon. This charming goat’s love for running and his adventurous spirit have made him a local legend and a viral sensation. Joshua’s story reminds us all that the most extraordinary athletes come in all shapes and sizes, sometimes even with hooves.

Frequently asked questions

When and where was the marathon held?

Marathon held on Sunday September 29, 2024 in Conception Bay, Southern Newfoundland.

How long was the marathon?

It is a half marathon event, 21 kilometers.

Who owns the goat, Joshua?

Joshua is owned by Heidi Taylor, co-owner of Taylor’s Pumpkin Patch in Newfoundland.

What medal did Joshua the goat receive?

Joshua the goat received a half marathon medal for having the most unlikely entry into the race.

What is the age of Joshua, the marathon winner goat?

We didn’t know exactly how old that goat was.