Coyote Interrupts XC Race, And Then Pulls Out

The four-legged competitor withdrew after running with the leaders for 50 yards.

Apparently coyotes aren’t build for distance running. Not even middle-distance races like a 5K.

At the Arizona AIA Cross Country State Championships last weekend, a coyote decided to jump into the race and started to run with the two leaders. Fifty meters later, the four-legged racer decided he had enough and pulled out.

So much for hanging with the fast guys. Perhaps he would have fared better in a 100m showdown with Usain Bolt.

The coyote, according to Runner’s World, entered the race 1.5 miles in. Catalina Foothills High School senior Harvey Nelson had a slight lead over another runner and did not notice the intruder.

“It didn’t distract him,” Nelson’s mother Karlene said. “He just kept running.”

After his brief moment of fame, the animal withdrew from the race and retreated to the woods.

“Everyone was thankful that nothing happened to anyone,” said Trina Painter, the cross country coach at Flagstaff High School. “It was just so surreal.”

Nelson won the race in 15:25.

For More: Runner’s World