Doctor who helped save a life at Berlin Marathon has advice for Chicago marathoners

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Chicago doctor who recently ran the Berlin Marathon — and helped save a life during that race — is sharing some valuable advice for those getting ready for Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

“He turned blue in front of me and stopped breathing, and I couldn't feel the pulse anymore,” Dr. Eliza Pierko told WBBM.

Pierko vividly recalled the moment a fellow runner in the Berlin Marathon went into cardiac arrest about 21.5 miles into the race. She said she saw him on the ground and checked his pulse.

Pierko, who is a Sports Medicine Specialist at  Loyola Medicine, immediately started chest compressions and helped to save the man's life.

She said his close call is an important reminder for all runners preparing for Sunday's Chicago Marathon.

“At any point, if you're experiencing a lot of struggle, if you're having pain that actually stops you in your tracks, it's OK not to finish the race,” Pierko said.  “It's OK to slow down; it's OK to walk. There's no shame in it.”

She added if runners experience shortness of breath or chest pain, they should seek medical attention immediately.

Get all of the information you need to know about the 2024 Chicago Marathon right here .

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