Tribute to fallen Kansas soldier takes a drastic turn after runner suffers heart problem

OLATHE, Kan. - The first Spencer Duncan run is in the record books. Duncan was a killed in action when his helicopter crashed last August in Afghanistan.

On Saturday, the first Spencer Duncan run was held honoring Duncan with proceeds going to help veterans and their families.

More than 500 people attended the race and witnessed an incredible life-saving event.

A man who was running collapsed before crossing the finish line. Maria Beerman-Foat, a spectator who is also a 15-year veteran paramedic was a spectator in the crowd.

“I noticed the man was looking pale and sweating and I thought something might be wrong, so I kept watching him,” Beerman-Foat said.

The man collapsed about 10 feet before he would have crossed the finish line. When he collapsed, Beerman-Foat raced over to help and started chest compressions.

“He wasn’t breathing and there was no pulse,” Beerman-Foat said.

She continued chest compressions and told bystanders to get help.

Beth Fox, a paramedic with the Olathe Fire Department, arrived and continued chest compressions.

"In about 10 to 12 minutes, we had a pulse and the man started to breathe again,” Fox said.

Fox also explained that she was surprised when she realized that the spectator performing chest compressions was the woman who taught her how to perform CPR and react in emergency situations.

Beerman-Foat said that she was thrilled to be the first responder in an emergency and that was the team effort to help save a life.

Saturday night, the man who collapsed was in the hospital in critical condition.

Beerman-Foat and Fox are both hoping he will make a full recovery.

Stay with KSHB.com for updates on this story.