Man Dies, Woman Gives Birth After Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon was a tragic, joyous, record breaking day in the Windy City. As Moses Mosop of Kenya set a new Chicago Marathon record, fans were grieving the death of North Carolina firefighter William Caviness, who collapsed during the race, and celebrating the birth of Amber Miller’s daughter, who was born shortly after the race.

According to the Associated Press, Caviness was running to raise money for burn victims. Greensboro Deputy Fire Chief Clarence Hunter said:

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Caviness family in this tremendous loss of Capt. Will Caviness. The Greensboro Fire Department family is grieving this great loss and will strive to support the family through this difficult time.”

Caviness collapsed just 500 yards from the finish line. Dr. George Chiampas, the race medical director, said that emergency responders were able to get Caviness’ heart beating again, but two hours after the incident, Caviness was dead.

It is the second death at the Chicago Marathon in five years. The last death occurred in 2007 when temperatures reached close to 90 degrees during the race. Chiampas said that only 54 people were taken to the hospital during this year’s marathon, which is far less than the 100 people that needed medical attention in 2010.

On the other end of the spectrum, Amber Miller ran/walked the Chicago Marathon despite going through contractions. The Chicago Tribune reports that Miller finished the marathon, grabbed a quick bite to eat, then went to Central Dupage County Hospital to give birth to a baby girl.

“I got the OK from my doctor to run half, and my husband ran with me and supported me along the way. I ran half and walked half, that’s how I finished. Everybody just kind of stared as I’m running by. Lots of interesting comments. It was fun for me to get everyone’s reactions.”

Would you be able to run a pregnant marathon?