WATCH: Montco Cross Country Runner Hit By Deer, Gets Up And Finishes Race

Cross country has long been a battle of man and woman against the elements, each other, and themselves. But that battle has generally not included the animal kingdom.

It's exactly what a Gwynedd Mercy University runner was up against this weekend at the NCAA Division III Mideast Regional championships in Center Valley.

Gwynedd runner Justin DeLuzio was running in a long strung out pack through a cornfield when a group of deer suddenly came charging toward the line of runners.

A coach yells out "Watch out for the deer!" and runners spin around to see the commotion. But too late: one of the deer racing across the field smashes headlong into DeLuzio, lifting him off the ground and out of the line of runners.

DeLuzio, a 21-year-old senior, not only got up, but he finished the 8k race in 31:16.

The story has since been picked up nationwide, with coverage from ESPN and Fox News.

DeLuzio was bruised but made a full recovery, according to Gwynedd Mercy.

Image courtesy screenshot via Eric Bologa.