Man Joins 8K Race While Drunk, Ends Up Changing His Life
BRAZIL — A homeless man unintentionally joined an 8-kilometer race while drunk and wearing flip-flops, completing the course and sparking nationwide attention that has since transformed his life.
On July 27, 2025, 31-year-old Isaque dos Santos Pinho of Garrafão do Norte woke up with a hangover after a night of drinking and found himself near the starting line of a local race. Without registering and dressed only in flip-flops, he decided to run alongside the participants when the race began.
Drone footage captured the unusual sight of Isaque staggering yet pushing through the course. Though he lagged behind, he crossed the finish line and received a complimentary medal from amused organizers.
The live-streamed event quickly went viral, prompting media outlets to track him down. In an interview with Globo, Isaque said he joined the race hoping it might help him sweat out his hangover. His story revealed a troubled past—born in Capitão Poço, Pará, raised by a single mother after being abandoned by his father, and struggling with alcoholism that eventually left him homeless.
Following the viral run, concerned citizen Estela Larizzieri created an online profile for Isaque, leading to an outpouring of donations, including running shoes, clothing, and training gear. Professional runners invited him to train, while the local government featured him on its website and encouraged him to participate in future events.
Social activists are now working to help secure permanent housing for him. Since the race, Isaque says he has stopped drinking and is committed to building a better future. “I’ll never give up,” he told reporters, now frequently seen training on the streets—a symbol of resilience born from an unexpected moment.
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