A tragic incident occurred at a recent half-marathon in New Delhi when a 33-year-old participant, Mohammad Zafarul Haque, collapsed near the finish line early Sunday morning. Despite prompt medical assistance on-site, Haque could not be revived.
According to reports, medical teams stationed along the marathon route noticed Haque collapse and rushed to his aid immediately. He was administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) procedures at the spot. However, eyewitnesses said he remained unresponsive with no detectable pulse. Haque was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed his death due to sudden cardiac arrest.
What Experts Say
While cases of cardiac arrest during running events are rare, medical experts caution that even healthy and trained runners are not completely risk-free.
“Males are much more likely to suffer sudden cardiac arrest in these races than females. The incidence rate is about 1.12 per 100,000 in men compared to 0.19 per 100,000 in women,” said Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
He added that lack of proper conditioning, abrupt increases in training intensity, dehydration, and undetected heart conditions can elevate the risk, even among experienced athletes.
Men, according to experts, are biologically more predisposed to heart issues due to factors like higher smoking and alcohol rates, chronic stress, genetic risks, accumulation of visceral fat, and lower levels of protective estrogen found in premenopausal women.
Men also tend to develop atherosclerotic coronary artery disease — the buildup of plaque in the arteries — around a decade earlier than women, which increases the risk of heart events during intense activities like long-distance running.
What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart stops beating effectively, preventing blood from circulating to vital organs. It can happen without warning, causing a person to collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing. Without immediate medical intervention, the condition can become fatal within minutes.
Common warning signs that may appear moments before a cardiac arrest include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or fainting
Experts emphasize that immediate CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can greatly improve survival chances.
Takeaway
The Delhi half-marathon tragedy highlights the growing importance of pre-race medical screening, adequate hydration, and gradual training intensity for long-distance runners. Cardiologists recommend that individuals over 30 undergo routine cardiac checkups, especially if they have a family history of heart disease or lifestyle risk factors.