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After collapsing in a half marathon, Zachary Gregory, 22, was transported from the 7500 block of S. South Shore Drive to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2011.
Zach Taylor was a licensed physical therapist with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, where he graduated in 2010. He was involved in the Athletico Endurance Program and Spine Control Program at Athletico in Skokie.
Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences 2010 TK Carl Promise Award winner, Zach Gregory, gives the school address during the commencement ceremony at the Indiana Convention Center.
The 13.1 Marathon Chicago running race started at 7:13 a.m. Saturday under a Yellow Flag, which advised runners that temperatures [Weather Data 6/4/2011] were above the optimal level for a race. At 8:51 a.m. with air temperature 82.0°F and humidity at 69% the race was put under a Red Flag, which advised runners that temperatures were dangerously high. Runners were advised to take the race slowly, and that official times for the race would not be given out. At 9:15 a.m., the race was categorized with a black flag. The Black Flag stopped the race, advising runners to either walk or take one of the designated shuttle buses back to the starting line.
Race organizers placed 10 aid stations with medical personnel and water along the 13-mile route. Spray stations were placed at mile markers 4.5 and 9.5, and a wet towel station was located at mile 7.
An additional ten people were transported to area hospitals with apparent heat-related illnesses. Race organizers used private EMS services from Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., including paramedics, ambulances and personnel on bikes for standby emergency medical services.