Marathon runners nearly had a run-in with nature after a herd of startled deer bolted across the race route in front of them.
The annual 26-mile Dublin Marathon turned into a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary.
As a pack of runners approached mile nine, they suddenly had to dodge more than 15 deer charging straight across Phoenix Park.
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Spectators lining the route began shouting warnings to the marathoners as the herd thundered past.
But determined not to lose time, the runners simply powered on, smiling through the chaos as the deer sprinted alongside them.
The surreal moment was caught on camera by Paul Smith who was cheering for the contestants on Sunday (26 Oct) morning.
“As the runners started approaching, a herd of deer started to run towards the road,” the 32-year-old, from Dublin, told What’s The Jam.
“Supporters who were lined up along the road started shouting to alert the runners of the deer.
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“The runners didn’t let this encounter phase them.
“They seemed to see the funny side of it.”
Luckily, no one was injured and the race continued without a hitch, although it certainly gave competitors something to fawn over later.
