A 27-year-old man named Blake Groulx tragically passed away from cardiac issues while running a half-marathon in Minneapolis. Groulx collapsed during the home stretch of the City of Lakes Half Marathon and hit his head on a curb during the eleventh mile. Despite CPR efforts from fellow racers and first responders, Groulx could not be revived and was later declared dead at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. The exact cause of his death has not been announced, but his obituary cites cardiac issues as the reason.
Witnesses at the race reported seeing Groulx stumbling before collapsing and hitting the curb. One witness, an emergency room doctor, also attempted to administer CPR to help save him. Described as someone who led an active lifestyle that included hiking, tennis, running, and pickleball, Groulx’s sudden passing came as a shock. The race organizers expressed deep sadness over his death, sending their condolences to Groulx’s family and the running community. Groulx, originally from Midland, Mich., had moved to Minneapolis in 2020 for a new career at General Mills.
Groulx’s family is asking for donations in his honor to be directed to The Bridge for Youth or the American Heart Association. They are also encouraging others to get heart health screenings in light of his sudden death. The tragic incident coincided with another half-marathon runner, Bobby Graves, passing away after a race in Anaheim, Calif. Graves collapsed and died of cardiac arrest after completing the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon. Despite having no known medical conditions, the extreme heat with temperatures reaching 107 degrees in Anaheim likely contributed to his death.
The running community mourned the loss of Groulx and Graves, emphasizing the importance of being aware of potential health risks while participating in physical activities like marathons. Both incidents serve as a reminder of the sudden and unexpected tragedies that can occur during races, even for apparently healthy individuals. The community also expressed gratitude to those who provided medical care to Groulx and Graves, highlighting the importance of immediate assistance in such situations. The families of the deceased are also advocating for heart health awareness and screenings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
