Long-distance runners spend years training to run marathons. But one amazing woman with no formal practice defied all expectations: 24-year-old Olivia Merkel accidentally won a marathon while fleeing a man who had been following her for several miles.

“I truly didn’t do this on purpose,” said Olivia. “And I actually feel a little bad for winning over all these people who have been training for this all year. I was just trying to ditch the guy who had been very obviously following me since I left the grocery store.”

Olivia went on to explain how she realized she had unintentionally run 26.2 miles trying to escape the creepy guy who had been walking behind her silently for blocks and blocks.

“It took me a while to notice that the group of people behind me were all wearing pin-on numbers and throwing their water cups on the ground,” she said. “Once I realized what was up, it was too late: someone had already thrown a medal around my neck and handed me a bouquet of flowers. There was ticker tape flying everywhere.”

“I’m honored to be so celebrated, but I was really just thrilled that I was safe around a large group of people,” Olivia added.

Wow! We’re so impressed that you managed to turn a harrowing instance of street harassment into a personal win, Olivia!

Witnesses to her amazing triumph are blown away.

“I have been running 10 miles per day for the past 15 months training for this marathon,” said David Reed. “But that’s nothing compared to the debilitating terror of trying to duck the attention of a strange man who is following you that motivated Olivia. She’s such an inspiration!”

“Yeah, I’ve participated in three 5Ks and a half-marathon in preparation for this day, my whole family is here cheering me on,” said Sydney DeLore. “And that’s still nowhere near the immediate training provided by a man who is actively stalking you and who may also have the intention of assaulting or murdering you. Olivia deserves this win! Congrats, girl!”

But Olivia remains humble.

“I didn’t plan to run this marathon, but I’m thankful for the opportunity,” Olivia said.

“Speaking of, could anyone give me a ride home?” she added.

Probably a good idea, Olivia!