Jenny Simpson is out of a North Carolina hospital and recovering after collapsing at a track event in Raleigh and suffering cardiac arrest more than a week ago.
In a statement released on Friday from Fleet Feet, Simpson thanked first responders, fans, well wishers and hospital staff.
Simpson, 39 was serving as a pacer at the Sir Walter Running Pop Up in Raleigh on June 16 when she collapsed and was given “immediate lifesaving care, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator” at the track before being transported to a hospital.
For a short period she did not have a pulse but was resuscitated.
“Jenny and her family are deeply grateful to the first responders, the medical teams at UNC Rex Hospital and Duke University Hospital, and everyone who has cared for her over the past nine days,” the message read. “Their skill, compassion and extraordinary care have meant more than words can express.”
She will remain in North Carolina during her recovery with her husband Jason, according to the statement and no timeline on the next steps in her treatment have been disclosed.
Simpson was named as the chief running officer for Fleet Feet in February in a role where she was tasked to connecting with local communities in the sport, help design training programs and steer brand partnerships.
“Jenny is sincerely grateful for the countless messages, prayers, encouragement and acts of kindness she has received from friends, colleagues, competitors and runners around the world, and she looks forward to connecting with the community in time,” the statement also read.
Tuesday’s Sir Walter Running event in Raleigh was staged in honor of Simpson and a large group of attendees signed and posed with a poster to show their support.
She won bronze in the women’s 1,500m at the 2016 Rio Olympic, gold in the event at the 2011 world championships along with silver in 2013 and 2017. Simpson retired from competitive racing after running the 2024 New York City Marathon, finishing 18th place overall in the women’s elite division in 2:31:54.
