Runner collapses minutes after finishing Glass City Half Marathon, saved by medical team’s quick response

Mercy Health - Facebook

A Glass City Half Marathon runner is recovering after collapsing in cardiac arrest just moments after crossing the finish line — thanks to a swift response from on-site medical staff, according to race sponsor Mercy Health.

In a Facebook post, Mercy Health says Brian Kilman, 27, of Cincinnati, had only recently taken up distance running. A training program that he began earlier this year, in which he steadily increased his milage, led him to the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon weekend.

The half marathon marked just his second race at that distance.

According to Mercy Health, Kilman, had pushed himself through a difficult race with one goal in mind: finishing.

However, just as he was crossing the finish line, he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest, something he doesn’t even remember.

Fortunately, on-site medical teams were ready, beginning CPR within moments and stabilizing him before transporting him to the hospital. According to race medical director Dr. Nick Sauber, a team of athletic trainers, physical therapists, physicians, nurses, paramedics and EMTs, had spent more than six months preparing for emergencies just like this.

In fact, Kilman’s girlfriend says only 10 minutes had passed between the time he finished the race and he was on his way to the hospital.

Because he was unable to celebrate his accomplishment after the race, members of the Toledo Roadrunners Club showed up at St. Vincent Medical Center as he was being discharged to deliver his half-marathon medal. He was also able to meet the people who helped save his life.

Mercy Health says the story highlights the importance of early CPR for saving lives.