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A few runners had a little extra spring in their steps after an unexpected competitor showed up during a race Sunday through Garden of the Gods.

Donald Sanborn captured a photo of the bear crossing in front of a group of runners in Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Run.

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"Why did the bear cross the road? To scare the runners and make me lose precious time in the middle of a race!" Sanborn wrote on Facebook.

People on social media were quick to react.

"#2131 looks like he's about the go the other direction. I'd probably be right behind him," wrote Kylah Sutz Edgin.

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