A man in his mid-50’s died at the finish line of a local race today. I’ve run one of the distances for this race the last few years but skipped it this year. As it was at the finish EMS was there within seconds but he died later at the hospital.
Ran the full today and didn’t hear a word about it until long after I’d been home and saw an article about it. By all accounts the medical staff did everything they could. I’m getting to the point in my life (37) where I need to be conscious of things like this.
It’s certainly sad.
I was in the finishing chute when they closed it off to bring in the ambulance they had just started chest compressions when I pulled up. It was pretty disturbing to watch to be honest.
It’s the hardest thing you ever have to deal with as an RD.
I know the RD’s well.
I’ve sent them a note of sympathy and condolence, as I know next to the family of the deceased, they are most likely very distraught themselves.
I went through the finishing chute before it was closed, but by media accounts he was already down and being worked on by the paramedics. And I was so tunnel vision (97% of max) I didn’t notice. I swear I didn’t see anyone down. I feel awful. Not that I could’ve done anything, but it seems cold to just run past. I feel so bad for his family and friends. And this must be awful for the race directors too.