Russian runner bites soap after mistaking it for race snack

2026-02-19 - 05:23

BANGKOK — A light-hearted mix-up by Russian marathon runner Sergey Zyryanov has gone viral on Thai social media after he accidentally bit into a bar of herbal soap, mistaking it for a sweet treat. Zyryanov, who was in Thailand for a 10-kilometre run, received a souvenir bag from organisers after crossing the finish line. The bag contained water, daily necessities and snacks. Feeling hungry after the race, he picked up an orange packet that appeared to be jelly or candy and took a bite. Only then did he realise something was wrong. The item was not a dessert but a bar of herbal soap. Zyryanov later posted a photo of the soap bearing clear bite marks, writing: “After running 10 kilometres, they gave me dessert. But it turned out to be soap.” The image quickly spread across Thai social media, drawing waves of amused and sympathetic reactions. Many users joked about the unexpected “taste of Thailand”, while others expressed concern for the runner. The incident has since become a reminder for race participants to double-check whether items in souvenir bags are edible — especially in Thailand, where surprises can come in many forms.