Runner Rescued After Cardiac Arrest at California Marathon

A participant in the California International Marathon experienced a sudden cardiac arrest during the race on March 3, 2024, but thanks to the quick response from medical staff, she is now recovering. The incident occurred approximately midway through the race in Carmichael, California, when the runner, a woman in her 30s, collapsed and became unresponsive.

Immediate action was taken as medical personnel on-site performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilized an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore her pulse. Following these critical interventions, the runner began to breathe on her own and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District reported that she is currently in stable condition and alert.

The successful outcome of this incident is attributed to the rapid response of bystanders and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, as well as the collaborative efforts of various agencies. “This positive outcome to this point was made possible by the quick actions of bystanders and on-scene EMS personnel, as well as the coordinated efforts of our fire dispatchers and command post staff,” stated a representative from Metro Fire. They further noted that the extensive planning conducted by the California International Marathon staff and emergency services over the past several months played a crucial role in ensuring participant safety.

The California International Marathon is a 26-mile, 385-yard race that stretches from the Folsom Dam to the State Capitol in Sacramento. This year, the event featured 17 aid stations along the course, which began at 07:00 and concluded at 13:30.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness at such large-scale events, where the health and safety of participants is paramount. With hundreds of runners participating, the presence of trained medical personnel and accessible life-saving equipment can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.