“My Training Kicked In”: How Two Strangers Saved a Marathon Runner’s Life
During the Edmonton Marathon, a 57-year-old runner collapsed just four kilometres from the finish line — and two strangers, standing in separate cheering sections, stepped in without hesitation. Their quick response and first aid training made all the difference.
📄 Read the full original news report from CTV Edmonton:
‘My training kicked in’: Strangers perform CPR on marathoner
A Sudden Collapse — and an Immediate Response
Dr. Erika Persson and Levi Ross didn’t know each other. They weren’t standing together. But when they saw a man lying face-down on the curb, their instincts aligned.
“I was in the right place, at the right time, and my training kicked in,” Dr. Persson recalled. “I thought, ‘I’ve got to help this guy.’ I came over and said, ‘I’m a sports doctor. I know how to do CPR — how can we help?’”
Finding no pulse, she immediately began CPR. Moments later, Ross — a dentistry student visiting from New York — tapped her shoulder and offered to take over chest compressions.
Another bystander stepped in to stabilize the man’s neck in case of spinal injury. Together, the three worked in perfect rhythm, switching roles and supporting each other until EMS arrived.
“This is one of those things you train for but hope never happens,” Ross said. “But you’re always ready for it.”
Once paramedics took over, the two Good Samaritans quietly walked away, unsure if the man they had fought to save would survive.
A Community Comes Together to Reunite Them
Nearly two weeks later, the story took an unexpected turn.
The runner’s niece phoned into the Hot 107 FM morning show, hoping someone could help identify the people who saved her uncle’s life. Listeners flooded the station with clues, and piece by piece, the mystery rescuers were found.
“It was incredible to see listeners come together as a unit,” host Ryder said. “Small clues turned into answers, and we managed to find the two people.”
Dr. Persson said hearing the update felt surreal:
“I’m so happy and thankful that he survived. I never knew what happened to him or how to find out. It’s serendipity that they got ahold of me.”
Ross also received a call from the runner’s daughter, who expressed her family’s gratitude.
“To hear he’s doing better — it was fantastic.”
The runner later underwent a triple bypass surgery at the University of Alberta. Thanks to the fast action of trained bystanders, he survived long enough to receive lifesaving treatment.
“I’m just happy he’s alive,” Dr. Persson said. “That makes my heart happy because we helped him.”
Why First Aid Training Matters
Emergencies happen without warning. What you do in the first few minutes can drastically change someone’s chance of survival.
CPR is simple to learn — and it saves lives.
Dr. Persson and Ross are proof that everyday people with proper training can step in and make a life-or-death difference.
Whether you’re at a marathon, at home, or walking down the street, having first aid and CPR skills means you can act quickly and confidently when someone needs help.
Learn More
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