Former Bachelor Matt James was part of a touching marathon moment that stole everyone’s hearts.
The reality star, 34, stopped mid-run during the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, to lend a helping hand as a couple held up a sign that read “Do Our Gender Reveal!” alongside three black balloons covered in question marks.
In a video shared via Instagram, Matt grabbed a pin the pair provided to pop the balloons as fellow attendees watched on with anticipation, leading to a burst of pink confetti which confirmed the couple is expecting a baby girl.
“Ohhh, It’s a girl!” he exclaimed while jumping up and down in excitement. “Congratulations! It’s a girl!” Matt yelled again before getting back to his marathon run and crossing the finish line.
Fans enjoyed watching the viral clip and sounded off about the heartwarming moment via social media.
“Bros king of side quests,” one person wrote in the comments section. “KEEP THIS MAN. INVITE HIM TO THE BABY SHOWER ASAP,” a second chimed in, while a third responded, “Dope. Very special. A future marathoner lol.” A fourth resounded, “And who run the world ??? GIRLS 🙌❤️”
Bachelor Nation star Tyler Cameron also replied, “This is amazing.”
Matt, who starred on season 25 of The Bachelor and was the show’s first-ever Black lead in its 24-season history, announced a new venture of his own last April.
“Boston Marathon from the runners POV!” he wrote in an Instagram post about the career move, noting that he was also participating in the 26.2 mile-marathon. “Excited to be part of the @espn / @wcvb5 Boston Marathon broadcast team as a field correspondent.. literally in the field.”
As for how Matt got ready to work up a sweat while doing the ultimate cardio challenge, he quipped in another social media clip, “A waffle hates to see me coming. Light syrup, light butter, and we going.”
The entrepreneur added, “For protein, chicken sausage links. Second course was these buttermilk pancakes. No one wants a dry flapjack, so it’s syrup and butter to ensure that moist bite. And it’s back to our protein-packed sausage links.”
“Scrambled eggs are a must,” Matt also pointed out about his breakfast being a powerhouse meal. “I’m gonna lose a lot of salt over the course of this race so we load up. Finish it off with some berries and some Saratoga water.”
