Man Gets Plowed By Deer In Cross Country Run Turned Collision

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A senior at Gwynedd Mercy University of Pennsylvania was abruptly taken out by a deer during an NCAA regional race.

Justin DeLuzio was partaking in an 8 mile race when an unexpected herd of at least 10 deer interrupted the event and charged directly through the runners, according to NCAA. DeLuzio was the only runner hit, although many present for the incident were incredibly shook up.

Deer CRUSHES cross country runner during a race! Video: Eric Bologa https://t.co/veMxhcpG62

— MileSplit US (@milesplit) November 16, 2016

The collision between DeLuzio and the animal was caught on camera, clearly showing the runner being side swiped from his left side and thrown to his back. He told Fox Sports, “Someone yelled, and I caught a glimpse of the deer, and I … I just didn’t expect it!” 

The runner continued to describe the event.

“I sat there in disbelief, I wasn’t quite sure what had happened,’” explained DeLuzio. “Part of me was like ‘This is your last race! Get up!’ while the other part like ‘I just got hit by a deer! Take a breath and acknowledge what just happened!’”

While the story may be deemed as an embarrassing moment, those that witnessed the event gave DeLuzio a response that most wouldn’t expect. “There were a couple kids who came up to me like, ‘Are you OK? That’s such a cool story.’ They were like ‘I wish I got hit by a deer!'” confessed the runner.

DeLuzio admits that he is fortunate his injuries were nothing severe and he was able to finish his race. Check out his interview below.