Interview Relay

Interview Relay 2nd Run: Stories of “Connections Between People” Born Through the Tokyo Marathon

This time, we introduce a story of Andy. He found out that the patient he saved was also the runner who aimed to run the Tokyo Marathon 2026.

It All Started in the Emergency Department

Usually, the connections of ‌ runners are formed through running clubs, meeting one another out on a run, or at races.  My connection with Rob, however, started off far from a casual meeting.  It started in the Emergency Department.  

I work as an ER Physician at a community hospital near Los Angeles, and it was early in my shift.  When the Emergency Department ambulance radio alerted our team that we had a cardiac arrest coming in, the staff immediately jumped into action getting everything ready.  We heard over the radio that a male was running and collapsed.  A bystander performed CPR and when the emergency medical services arrived, the patient was in cardiac arrest and was given medication, electro cardioverted twice, and was coming to our Emergency Department.When the patient arrived, our team jumped into action, obtaining intravenous access and assisting with breathing.  While the patient was getting connected to the cardiac monitor, I immediately noticed his outfit. The outfit of a marathon runner includes tights, a singlet, energy gels, and running shoes.  I noticed this because I, too, am a marathoner and as I looked at this patient without a name or any identification, it almost looked like I was looking in a mirror. I thought to myself, this could have been me!

Pride of Saving a Fellow Marathon Runner’s Life

Eventually, we found a name, Rob, and the family was contacted.  I met the wife and daughters in the Emergency Department and told them what happened and that he was in a procedure and afterward would be going to the Intensive Care Unit.  I knew in the back of my mind that the survival rate for cardiac arrest is extremely low, less than 10%.  However, I reassured the family that we are doing everything that we can for him.
 
I followed Rob’s medical course and, while rocky, he was beating the odds.  Two days later, I went upstairs to the ICU to check on him.  I was pleasantly greeted by an awake man, tired but talking.  Rob’s wife was at the bedside, and as we were talking, I asked if he was a runner since he arrived at our hospital dressed for a long run.  The wife said yes, and that he was training for the Tokyo Marathon 2026!  

This absolutely astonished me because I, too, was in the final weeks of training for the Tokyo Marathon.  It struck all of us that two people training for the same goal, a half a world away, collided through a tragic event. Two fellow runners, but also as a physician and patient.  Not only did I feel a sense of connection, but also felt pride that my team and I could save a life, and that of a fellow marathoner. 

Finishing the Tokyo Marathon, Carrying Rob’s Memento with Me

With only three weeks until the Tokyo Marathon, Rob was devastated that he could not participate.  I found out that this was Rob’s tenth year applying to run Tokyo, and he finally was selected.  Knowing how much time and dedication Rob committed to his training and that he could not participate in the Tokyo Marathon 2026, I asked him if I could carry something of his to run with so that a piece of him could complete the course.  He graciously gave me his marathon bracket adorned with clasps from all of his previous marathon accomplishments. Havinga memento of him gave me motivation to complete the marathon and honor him and his journey.  

The Tokyo Marathon connects so many people all over the world, some in situations that are both tragic, but also triumphant.  I know that Rob has a long road of recovery ahead of him, but with the marathoner’s mindset, I trust that he will overcome all his obstacles. 
If I were selected for the interview relay, would the committee be willing to give a 2027 entry to Rob’s daughter, Samantha, who was inspired by her father’s running?  This would truly make a Tokyo Marathon connection worth celebrating.   

With Common Thread Anywhere in the World, We Are All Connected

For me, the opportunity to positively impact someone else’s life is what drew me to Emergency Medicine. My encounter with Rob reaffirmed my commitment to helping my community, and to help save a fellow marathoner is the icing on the cake. While the story begins as a tragic one, it affirms the true nature of connection and how each person can uplift the other. My encounter with Rob has shown me that anywhere in the world, there is always a common thread; we are all connected, and you never know when the connection will occur!

The photo is of Rob’s bracelet, which I carried throughout the Tokyo Marathon 2026. We will meet next month as he is still recuperating.