The quick actions of Airdrie EMS and firefighers helped prevent the sixth annual Airdrie Mayor’s Run from becoming a tragedy. A runner collapsed only 150 metres from the finish line during the event’s 10-kilometre race at Genesis Place, June 3.
The event’s first aid responders and firefighters, who were on scene for the duration of the day, provided aid to the runner until paramedics arrived. The man’s heart rate was stabilized with the use of a defibrillator and he was intubated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
“It was just awful,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “Our EMS, firemen and RCMP did an awesome job. I watched them bring him back to life. It was incredible.”
“As a race director, safety on the course is always your No. 1 concern,” said Jodie Matsuba-Szucs. “That’s why we have municipal enforcement, RCMP and EMS on scene. It also goes to show the importance of having defibrillators at Genesis Place. I’m just glad that everybody did what they were supposed to, and that’s all we can ask for. Of course, we wish the family the best and hopefully everything works out.”
Earlier in the day, Matsuba-Szucs announced Fortis Alberta donated $2,392.05 to the Mayor’s Run, which was used to purchase a defibrillator that will be mounted in phase three of Genesis Place. The defibrillator was used to restart the man’s heart.
The condition of the man who collapsed was not known at press time.
The event drew nearly 300 participants, 190 of which took part in the five-kilometre and 10-kilometre races. Keith Bradford won the five-kilometre race with a time of 19:02 while Paul Reik placed second, coming in at 19:41. Jonathan Quiring rounded out the top three with a time of 22:37 and Melissa Reisner was the race’s top female runner, coming in fourth with a time of 22:52.
Jason Reid placed first in the 10-kilometre run with a time of 37:52. Christopher Russell followed in second place at 38:38 while Jared Sherman took third with a time of 39:52. Janelle Menzies was the top female in the 10-kilometre race. She came in eighth with a time of 44:50.
The event also featured one-kilometre races for children age eight and under and nine to 12, as well as runs and walks for toddlers and families.
New this year was the Loop the Lake Team Challenge, which was extended to the city’s four major ice user groups, including the Airdrie Skating Club, Airdrie Minor Hockey, Airdrie Regional Recreation Enhancement Society (ARRES ) and the Airdrie Ringette Association.
Members of each group were encouraged to register for the run and enter a team for $150 to run or walk once around East Lake.
The proceeds from the event will be divided between the four groups based on the number of participants that registered to go towards phase three of the arena.
“We included (the challenge) because there was quite a push from the ice user groups asking for new ice in the community,” said Matsuba-Szucs. “We thought here’s a way for to help them reach their goal.”
The run also had a new supporter this year, as Propak stepped up as the title sponsor, and Barry Taylor, the company’s vice president of finance, was on hand for the festivities.
“We’re very much for supporting community events in Airdrie, particularly ones involving families and ones that encourage families to get fit,” Taylor said. “This is our first year, but we’re looking forward to being a sponsor for many more years.”
In the past, Brown participated in the race, but this year he took on the role as a cheerleader, because he’s taking part in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 200-kilometre trek through the Rocky Mountains, on June 23 and 24.
“It’s a tremendous event,” he said of the Mayor’s Run. “It’s all about fitness and having a lot of fun. Jodie and all the volunteers did another great job. This run has turned into an annual event and it keeps getting bigger and bigger, so I’m just really pleased.”
The amount of money raised at the event was not known at press time.
