John Culshaw, aged 72, of Lakeside, has been running for the club since 1979 and was competing at an event in Nuneaton when he fell ill.
He had just finished sixth in the men’s over-50s speed walk when he collapsed and his heart stopped.
A fireman and doctor from a nearby club rushed to his aid and administered CPR before a defibrillator was fetched from Pingles Leisure Centre.
John told the Herald: “Basically, I’m lucky to be alive. Apparently the arteries to my heart were blocked. I was diagnosed with angina in 1997, but had no symptoms and it did not need treatment.”
The incident happened on August 12. John was rushed to Coventry’s University Hospital where he underwent a triple heart bypass.
He is now recovering at home, walking three miles a day and doctors say he should be back competing within four months.
He said: “My vest had to be cut from me when I collapsed, and the club have bought me a new one – so they are expecting me back!”
