New Yorker embarks on quest to find iconic runner who downed her booze in the middle of a marathon

The 2024 New York City Marathon brought more than just runners; it also sparked a heartwarming (and slightly tipsy) connection that’s captured the internet’s attention.

As thousands of runners tackled the 26.2 miles through the streets of NYC, some people along the sidelines took it upon themselves to spice up the experience. Among them was Diana, who decided that mile 22 needed a special pick-me-up: a refreshing cup of prosecco, topped off with a piece of candy. It was a bold move, but one that resonated with at least one runner, Justine, who was thrilled to receive the unexpected boost.

Diana, amused by the exchange, posted a TikTok asking the internet to help her find the runner who downed the prosecco and smashed the cup on the ground before gearing up for the final stretch. She joked that they should be friends, and even shared that she was at a bar having a drink for her new friend as she made the post.

The TikTok community, of course, wasted no time finding Justine. The comments section quickly became a haven for people celebrating the serendipitous connection, with many expressing how they loved seeing women supporting each other in such a spontaneous and fun way. It wasn’t long before Justine herself commented on Diana’s video, thanking her for getting her through the last four miles of the race. She even posted a video of the moment on her own TikTok page, showing her accepting the prosecco and candy and smashing the cup as Diana cheered her on. It was a moment that many fans of the video called iconic.

As it turns out, Diana wasn’t the only one offering Justine alcohol during the marathon. Justine had been on a mission to run the race while indulging in drinks provided by other spectators. She documented her journey with a series of videos, showing how she received wine, beer, and other beverages from marathon onlookers. And while the science behind running while drunk is less than ideal (alcohol is dehydrating and affects heart rate), Justine seemed to have the time of her life, posting an upbeat video after the race showing off her post-marathon joy.

Despite the health risks, Justine’s approach was clearly a fun one—and it gave birth to a heartwarming internet friendship. Diana and Justine, now bonded by prosecco and shared joy, became an unlikely duo that people couldn’t help but root for. Here’s hoping that this drunken yet wholesome friendship continues to unfold, and maybe even inspires more marathoners to find their own unique support along the race route.