High School Runner Disqualified After Helping Rival Who Collapsed [VIDEO]

Iowa high school runner Zach Hougland won his district cross-country championship, but was disqualified for an act of kindness.

Hougland noticed a rival runner on the ground unconscious and helped him without even thinking twice.

I see this kid, he's like dying and what not, and he's about ready to fall

The high schooler's act was noble, but unfortunately Iowa state athletic rules say no runner can help or receive aid from another runner, so both runners were disqualified.

Fortunately, the rest of Zach's team did well enough to qualify for state and he will compete in their meet on Saturday.

Zach believes he did what was "right" and says if he could do it all again he "wouldn't change a thing."

[via KTLA]