Runner Loses Lead After Getting Caught in Pole Vault Rubber Band Warm-Up Bar

A runner had the inside edge on winning the Irish Universities Athletics Association Indoor Championships' 800-meter preliminary when a pole vault warm-up bar thwarted his chances.

The National University of Ireland Galway's Aengus Meldon led during the final lap before an unexpected snafu cost him. As a pole vaulter prepared on the side, a giant rubber band flew onto the track and tangled his feet.

A competitor pounced and passed him before crossing the finish line. The stunned announcer shouted "Janey Mac," an Irish equivalent to saying "Jesus Christ" in astonishment, as Deadspin's Laura Wagner noted.

"It was like Spider-Man threw something at him," he said. "Spider-Man attacked him."

Athletes usually perform under the notion that nobody from the Avengers will interfere. Perhaps that's not always the case.

[nTrai, h/t Deadspin]