Medellín Marathon runner Juliana Ávila dies after cardiac arrest

Juliana Ávila Saouda, a 20-year-old biomedical engineering student from Bogotá, died following a medical emergency during the Medellín Marathon. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 6, while she was competing in the 21-kilometer half marathon.

Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez reported that Ávila suffered three cardiac arrests during the race and required resuscitation on three separate occasions. She was treated by event medical personnel and a runner with medical training before being rushed to the Hospital General de Medellín, where she passed away on Monday.

Ávila was the partner of Julián Restrepo, the eldest son of Vice President José Manuel Restrepo. The marathon, which saw approximately 30,000 participants, also saw another runner, 39-year-old Mario Alberto, treated for seizures related to epilepsy; he has since recovered.

Organizers stated that emergency protocols, including the ‘Médicos en Ruta’ program, were activated immediately to provide assistance along the route.