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Ipswich Half Marathon: Man who had cardiac arrest in 2022 returns

Kevin Ward John Thurkettle (centre) at the start of the race with Ipswich's mayor Lynne Mortimer and Ipswich Town FC manager Kieran McKennaKevin Ward
John Thurkettle (pictured with Ipswich's mayor Lynne Mortimer and Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna) "completed" last year's run on Sunday

A man whose life was saved by fellow runners when he went into cardiac arrest during a half marathon, has taken part in the race a year later.

John Thurkettle, 60, was running in the Ipswich Half Marathon on 23 October 2022, when he went into cardiac arrest.

Three other runners performed CPR, saving his life.

On Sunday, Mr Thurkettle ran the last two miles (3.2km) of the route ahead of the event, from the point where he collapsed last year.

It meant he completed last the 13.1-mile (21km) race, albeit a year late.

Wayne Bavin/BBC Ipswich half marathon runnersWayne Bavin/BBC
About 1,300 people took part in the race, which started on the artificial practice pitch at Portman Road.
Family photo John Thurkettle before the Ipswich Half Marathon on 23 October 2022Family photo
John Thurkettle, pictured at the 2022 half marathon, was now "doing really well", his son said

His life was saved last year by participants Kevin Ward, Ben Solway and David Smith who carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before paramedics arrived.

Mr Thurkettle has since had surgery and returned to work, part-time.

Kevin Ward Kevin Ward (front) with David Smith, John Thurkettle, James Thurkettle and Ben Solway (with marshals Mandy Chinery and Amelia Banfield on wheels)Kevin Ward
Kevin Ward (front) with David Smith, John Thurkettle, James Thurkettle and Ben Solway (with marshals Mandy Chinery and Amelia Banfield on wheels)

His family said: "It's difficult for us to put into words the importance that CPR can play when saving a loved one.

"To put it bluntly, without the heroic and timely actions of all involved, we wouldn't have our dad with us now. We can never repay what they have collectively done for us."

Wayne Bavin/BBC Kieran McKenna (l) and Wayne BavinWayne Bavin/BBC
Ipswich Town FC manager Kieran McKenna (left) started the race with BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Wayne Bavin
Run for All Thousands of runners and spectators at Ipswich Half MarathonRun for All
The race takes in Ipswich's town centre, Holywells Park and waterfront before heading south to Wherstead and Freston and then heading back to Portman Road

Thousands took part in Sunday's race, which started and finished at Portman Road stadium, the home of Ipswich Town.

The fastest man across the finish line was Hassan Ahdich in a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 37 seconds, and the fastest woman was Daisy Brooke with a time of one hour, 26 minutes and 21 seconds.

The 2024 Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 22 September.

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