I never met Zachary Gregory. I never heard his name before Saturday. But I spent thelast couple days wondering about him, and praying for his family. I know little about him, other than that he was 26 years old, lived in Lakeview, and was running the 13.1 half marathon Saturday. I'm sure he probably had plans for the rest of the weekend after the race.
He never got to experience any of that. Gregory was one of several people who collapsed during the 13.1 race on Saturday in the extreme heat and humidity. The rest got some fluids, and some treatment, and were able to go home. Gregory never recovered. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy was inconclusive.
I've been in lots of races where people have lost their lives. It's a tragic, but not terribly uncommon experience. There is usually some pre-existing condition that contributes to the medical situation. People die in 5k's with ideal weather conditions. It's just a terrible part of life. But I know it takes an awful toll on their families, not to mention some race directors I know who take these losses personally.
Yes, it was hot Saturday. The race director sent out an email the night before the race warning runners to readjust their goals for the weather. They added water, towel and spray stations. And still they stopped the race an hour and 45 minutes into it. I applaud that decision. All the runners, vendors, and sponsors have a lot invested in a race like this. Noone wants to cancel the race. But safety is the first priority, and they made the right decisions throughout the morning.
I ran with my friend Greg, who won an entry to the race in this space, and we started at about 7:30/mile pace for the first five miles, but after that, started to feel the heat. We slowed almost a minute per mile, and stopped at every water station to make sure we got a good drink. And still, it was hot.
Greg has two young children, including a newborn, at home. I have four young girls myself. I doubt either of us considered the possibility we wouldn't be coming home to those kids later in the morning. When we crossed the finish line, they had turned off the clock. We were under a 'red flag'. A short time later that elevated to a 'black flag'. That means severe weather, and runners are encouraged to stop, and get off the course.
Most I saw didn't do that, but that was a decision they made on their own. I understand it, and sympathize. I can relate to the invincible feeling athletes have when they are running. But, I have also witnessed the dangers we can face. And we got another tragic reminder Saturday.
See you on the roads..............
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