Runner to tackle race again one year after cardiac arrest during 3k on the Green event in Glasgow

A man who suffered a cardiac arrest during a 3k race in Glasgow is returning to take part in the same event a year later.

Stephen Lappin will take part in the 3k on the Green event at Glasgow Green on Friday, less than a year after he collapsed at the end of the race.

The 60-year-old ran the short lunchtime event for the first time in April 2024, but suffered a cardiac arrest.

Fellow runners ran to get a nearby defibrillator to give him CPR and the dad-of-two survived.

The same defibrillator was used to save the life of another runner – Malcolm Hughes, from Linlithgow – just a few weeks before Stephen.

Stephen Lappin is to take part in the 3k on the Green event at Glasgow Green on Friday. British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) say less than one in ten people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival.

Both men have since joined forces to support the BHF Scotland’s efforts to register all defibs on the Circuit, the national network that allows emergency services to locate and direct callers to life-saving devices.

Stephen, from Glasgow, who was a seasoned runner who had completed London Marathon a year before, recalled: “Because it was a short 3k race I went for it.

“When I finished, I looked at the data on my watch which said I had achieved a personal best, suddenly I felt tired and the next thing I was gone.

“People told me that I collapsed spectacularly and got everyone’s attention. Someone went to fetch the defibrillator, and I understand that I had several minutes of CPR and then one shock from the defibrillator.

“The fact that the defib was there, so close to me, is the reason why I am here today. What are the odds of two people and the same defib? It’s miraculous.”

The defibrillator was registered, and an emergency call handler was able to give out the code to unlock its box so it could be used.

He has since had an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) fitted which will deliver a shock to his heart in the event of a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm.

Stephen, who works in IT, has been given the all-clear to run again but this is the first time running 3k on the Green since that day.

He will be joined by friends and family who will be supporting his efforts.

“I wanted to carry on running. It’s a good healthy thing to do, but I recognise that I’ll never be as fast or as fit as I was,” he adds.

“When I run now there’s a bit of trepidation, but I’m not pushing myself. I do gentler runs now, where the general rule is, if you find you can’t talk, you are running too fast.”

Alasdair Murray, organiser of 3k on the Green which takes place on the last Friday of every month at Glasgow Green, welcomed Stephen back to the event.

He said: “It’s amazing, and a huge relief, to see Stephen back here and a testament to his recovery and determination not to let this stop him.

“I am so relieved that he came through it, and we are fortunate that there was a defibrillator close by which was registered on the circuit – but it’s not a day I would like to repeat.

“When it happened there seemed to be little sense of panic and those around chipped in to help. People did what they had to do, and we were fortunate that a couple of runners were off-duty medics who were also able to assist.”

Since Alasdair took over organising the event in 2011, the run has raised more than £18,000, with the £2 entry fee donated to a range of charities.

All proceeds from this month’s run have been donated to the British Heart Foundation in recognition of Stephen.

David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said: “Well done to Stephen for his bravery and positive attitude after what must have been a traumatic incident.

“We at the BHF have also been inspired by his efforts to raise awareness about the importance of making sure all defibs are registered on the Circuit.”