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Di Canio making an entirely non-political gesture on the sidelines. PA Wire/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Paolo di Canio runs half-marathon by mistake

The Swindon Town manager took a wrong turn while leading a charity fun run and accidentally joined the field of a 13-mile distance race, which he then completed.

YOU CAN QUESTION Paolo di Canio’s temperament, his political views, his judgement and his fashion sense, but his competitive spirit is beyond reproach.

On Sunday, the West Ham legend and current Swindon Town manager was charged with commencing a local half-marathon before completing a two-mile short course with a group of charity fun-runners. Taking to the road, however, the Italian quickly lost his bearings and found himself borne along with a group of competitors in the longer race.

Did he take pause? Did he ask for directions? You know he didn’t; those aren’t Di Canio options.

Rising to the challenge, he decided to complete the full 13-mile course, eventually crossing the line 36 minutes behind the race winner.

Speaking to the BBC afterwards, a triumphant Di Canio explained that he “couldn’t stop; there was a challenge.”

“Unfortunately I ended up doing a full half marathon plus 800 metres.

“At the end I was very happy because I finished without stopping, even for one second. I wasn’t ready but I never stopped running.”

What a guy.

Read more on this story from the BBC>

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