A MAN who suffered a possible cardiac arrest just a mile into a half-marathon was saved by his fellow runners - one of whom had taken a first aid course just a week earlier.

The casualty, who has not been named, was taking part in Sunday's Chase Half Marathon, which takes place in Sixpenny Handley. Shortly after beginning the rural trail run, he suddenly collapsed.

Fortunately, two women who had been running behind him, as well as two 'sweepers' following the race, were quickly at the scene. The four began administering first aid. They were soon joined by event staff from White Star Running, South Western Ambulance Service paramedics and volunteers from Whitehorse medical services.

Race director Andy Palmer said teams of helpers administered CPR before using a defibrillator. The casualty regained consciousness and is being treated in hospital.

"The conditions were quite interesting - it was very wet, and it's a tough race," Mr Palmer said.

"Around a mile in, one of our runners collapsed. Luckily, there were two ladies running with him at the time.

"They immediately realised it was serious. One had just done a first aid course - she'd been told they were skills she'd probably never have to use, but a week later, she probably helped to save someone's life."

Within three minutes, emergency responders got to the scene and began administering CPR. Ambulances arrived ten minutes later.

Mr Palmer said: "The teamwork was just absolutely amazing.

"I can't say enough about it. In the end, we had four ambulances and a dozen paramedics, as well as the team from Whitehorse, who were just exceptional."

The runner is believed to be aged in his 50s. He remains in the hospital.

"These are tough races, and our runners are very fit," said Mr Palmer.

"A paramedic told me the survival rate for cardiac arrests in Dorset is one out of every 10.

"This runner was dead, and now he's awake and in hospital getting the treatment he needs."

One runner who contacted the Daily Echo praised Mr Palmer's "well-organised" team and said: "Their prompt action, as well as the two runners who were there first, saved this man's life."