On November 11, 2023, David Griffin approached the Richmond Marathon with a clear goal: to complete the 26.2-mile race in under four hours and 30 minutes. This target represented an improvement of over 30 minutes from his previous year’s performance, hampered by oppressive heat. Thankfully, the conditions for the 2023 marathon were favorable, marked by a cool fall morning as the 48-year-old made his way to the starting line.
As the race commenced, Griffin ran alongside his friend and training partner, having dedicated extensive effort to his preparation. He felt that his rigorous training regime, which included long runs on weekends, was paying off. Encouraged by consistent pacing, Griffin maintained a speed that was comfortably under his target as he progressed through the course.
However, just beyond the halfway mark at mile 13, Griffin suddenly expressed to his friend, “I don’t feel good,” before collapsing. He suffered a cardiac arrest, his heart unexpectedly stopping.
Fortunately, another runner, an emergency room nurse practitioner, quickly rushed to his side and initiated CPR. Witnesses nearby responded to calls for help, including a third-year medical student and an oncology nurse who had recently updated her CPR skills. The nurse practitioner efficiently guided the group of bystanders in performing compressions in a rotating fashion to keep the effort effective and sustained. A cardiologist who was also participating in the race joined in the lifesaving measures.
Meanwhile, a police officer alerted emergency services, and within ten minutes, an ambulance arrived. First responders utilized an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive Griffin, restoring his heartbeat. He was swiftly transported to the hospital for further care.
Upon awakening in the ambulance, Griffin was startled and confused, asking, “What just happened?” A first responder responded with the gravity of the situation: “You died.”
At the same time, Griffin’s wife, Tracy, was running the half-marathon on the same course. When informed of her husband’s collapse, she remained anxiously on the line while he received CPR, desperately trying to reach him. With the keys in his possession and the truck far away, Tracy found assistance from a police officer, who assured her they would locate David.
Driving with sirens blaring, the officer escorted Tracy to the hospital. A mixture of hope and anxiety overwhelmed her as she approached, wondering if her husband would be conscious. To her relief, she entered the hospital room just in time to hear David ask, “Where is my wife?”
Though relieved that he was awake, the atmosphere remained tense. David underwent several tests to assess the condition of both his heart and brain. Worried about remaining in the hospital indefinitely, he spent the intervals texting Tracy important passwords and account details.
Results revealed that David had a congenital heart defect: a bicuspid aortic valve, which differed from the typical three-leaflet valve by having only two. A doctor informed him that immediate open-heart surgery was necessary to replace his compromised aortic valve, but David was not prepared to take that step just yet.
Before agreeing to surgery, he wished to see his sons, aged 9 and 11, who were too young to visit him in the hospital. He left equipped with an external defibrillator for two weeks while recuperating at home. During this time, David felt impressive recovery and questioned the necessity of the surgery, especially considering his love for physical activity.
Curious about his post-surgery capabilities, he asked his doctors about the implications for his running lifestyle. They reassured him that the surgery wouldn’t hinder his ability to stay active. In early December, he underwent the operation to replace his faulty valve with a prosthetic one.
The subsequent phase of his journey was cardiac rehabilitation, where running became the primary aim. His cardiologist was supportive, urging the rehab team to encourage David’s return to fitness. Initially allowed only a few minutes of treadmill running, he improved significantly by spring, managing to participate in a 10K during a 60-minute session.
Despite previously stating he’d never embark on long-distance running again, the feeling of accomplishment during the 10K sparked David’s determination. Enthused by the prospect of joining his marathon training group gearing up for the 2024 Richmond Marathon, he reflected on personal ambitions he held before his surgery. He envisioned running races across the country, celebrating his upcoming 50th birthday with a marathon, and inspiring his sons through his efforts.
Ultimately, David chose to pursue the marathon once more, valuing the experience over the fear of failure. As Saturday approaches, he prepares to stand at the Richmond Marathon start line again. This time, his focus transcends achieving a specific time; instead, he aims to demonstrate perseverance for himself and his children. “I don’t need to set any records,” he affirmed. “I just want to show myself – and my kids – that I can still run a marathon.”