FACTArchive →
The 1904 Olympic Marathon included a runner who hitchhiked half the race, another who was chased by wild dogs, and one who nearly died from rat poison
FACT
@fact5
Science Gone WrongMar 26, 2026

The 1904 Olympic Marathon included a runner who hitchhiked half the race, another who was chased by wild dogs, and one who nearly died from rat poison

The 1904 Olympic Marathon was completely chaotic and dangerous. Fred Lorz hitchhiked 11 miles then ran again. Thomas Hicks received strychnine rat poison as energy. Andarín Carvajal stopped to eat apples and chat. Wild dogs chased multiple runners through Missouri.

See it on Facebook →← All facts
Share → X Reddit WhatsApp Threads Facebook
Spot an error? Email hello@thefact5.com with a source — we correct visibly.
KEEP SCROLLING

More strange facts ✦

One missing filter helped kill at least 68 people. ☣️
FACT
@fact5
Science Gone Wrong
One missing filter helped kill at least 68 people. ☣️
On September 15, 1830, MP William Huskisson became one of the first widely reported railway fatalities when he was struck by Stephenson's Rocket at the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, dying that evening after his leg was crushed.
FACT
@fact5
Science Gone Wrong
On September 15, 1830, MP William Huskisson became one of the first widely reported railway fatalities when he was struck by Stephenson's Rocket at the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, dying that evening after his leg was crushed.
One dam unleashed 12.4 billion gallons before midnight. 🌊
FACT
@fact5
Science Gone Wrong
One dam unleashed 12.4 billion gallons before midnight. 🌊
A 42-mph wind made this bridge tear itself apart. 🌉
FACT
@fact5
Science Gone Wrong
A 42-mph wind made this bridge tear itself apart. 🌉
A man made $12 million sewing goat testicles into humans. 🐐
FACT
@fact5
Dark History
A man made $12 million sewing goat testicles into humans. 🐐
The Fake in the Cathedral
FACT
@fact5
Creepy Discoveries
The Fake in the Cathedral
He spent 30 years studying plane crashes. Then he flew into one. ✈️
FACT
@fact5
Ironic Twists
He spent 30 years studying plane crashes. Then he flew into one. ✈️
A railroad grave exposed an 1832 story that did not fit. 💀
FACT
@fact5
Creepy Discoveries
A railroad grave exposed an 1832 story that did not fit. 💀
The Woman in the White Cap
FACT
@fact5
Creepy Discoveries
The Woman in the White Cap
Jack ran railway signals for nine years without one mistake. 🚂
FACT
@fact5
Animal Oddities
Jack ran railway signals for nine years without one mistake. 🚂
A service-dog dropout became the world's only surf therapist. 🏄‍♀️
FACT
@fact5
Animal Oddities
A service-dog dropout became the world's only surf therapist. 🏄‍♀️
Margarine was legally forced to look pink. 🧈
FACT
@fact5
Dark History
Margarine was legally forced to look pink. 🧈
🎲 Surprise me with another