This is the emu-sing moment a live emu suddenly appeared on a running track during a school sports day.

The bird was seen on video as it ran a lap at the high school in Lishui, in Zhejiang Province, eastern China, on October 13.

Footage shows dozens of pupils observing the emu as it ran in circles around them on the track. It reportedly ran three whole laps before it decided to give up and come to a stop.

A boy named Xiao Huang reportedly won the 3,000-metre (9,800-ft) race a few minutes earlier at an astonishing speed, but it was the bird who stole the spotlight.

Onlookers said the emu was large, and its wingspan was truly astonishing when spread out. While its participation in the competition was unexpected, it garnered respect and attention from both other participants and the audience.

Despite not securing a rank, its presence was widely seen as adding a special touch to the competition.

According to Mr. Pan, a teacher at the school, the emu was raised at the school and roams freely. It often runs on the playground and is well acquainted with the teachers and pupils.

The teacher said that it likely became excited when it saw the pupils participating in the running competition and joined in.