Man Who Got Medal After Drunkenly Joining Race in Flip-Flops Calls Moment 'Wake-Up Call'

A man whose impromptu effort to curb a hangover led him to join a race whilst wearing flip-flops is grateful for what he’s calling a “wake-up call.”

The man in question, identified in reports from CNN Brazil and other outlets as Isaque, has gone viral on a truly global scale after footage showed him catching a stride in the eight-kilometer race in question, which appears to have taken place in the Brazilian state of Pará in July. Though never formally registered for the race, Isaque was still given a participation medal.

In short, here’s what’s said to have went down, per regional reports and comments from Isaque himself: He first noticed registered runners getting in preparation mode for the race after a night of drinking. Upon spotting the commotion, he thought he might join in on the festivities as part of an effort to “see if the hangover would leave the body.”

Amid the ensuing virality, Isaque has opted to lean in, all while hoping his act of drunken athleticism can ultimately help encourage the opposite behavior.

In an Instagram update from an account associated with the viral sensation, he’s quoted as saying this “one simple event” was actually more akin to “a call” from a higher power.

“I’m thankful for this wake-up call and even more thankful for the people He placed in my path through this process,” he said, according to the below IG update. “Every word, every gesture of support, has been a very important response.”

For those who may be reading this while pondering taking a stab at the whole running-a-race-in-flip-flops endeavor, as inspiring as this particular story may be, doing so is advised against by experts.