Three quick-thinking runners helped to save the life of a man who suffered a cardiac arrest after finishing a race.

Royston Runners’ Peter Allen, Sharon Dagus and Jackie Court-Monk were completing a 3km relay run in Stevenage on Thursday when a fellow runner, in his 40s, collapsed after crossing the line.

Ms Dagus, a resuscitation nurse, and Mrs Court-Monk, an intensive care nurse, took over CPR on the man to allow emergency medical technicians Sharon Hearn and Max Marchant who were supervising at the event to use a defibrillator – collected from St John Ambulance volunteers by Mr Allen.

Following further stabilisation at the scene in Fairlands Valley Park, the man was taken to a specialist cardiac unit at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage for further care. He was later released and is currently recovering at home.

Mrs Court-Monk, who lives in Litlington and has been a member of the running club for more than two years, said: “I’d just finished my 3km leg of the relay and it was Sharon’s turn to go when we heard a cry for help and saw that someone had collapsed.

“We ran over immediately and took over the CPR from the EMTs while they set up the defibrillator. Both of us are nurses and have been in similar situations before, so our training just took over and luckily he managed to pull through.”

Steve Smith, chairman of Royston Runners men’s team, said: “I’m really proud of them for their quick-thinking in such a stressful situation. If it wasn’t for them this man could have died.

“From myself and everyone at the club, I would just like to say a massive thank you to them.”

Paramedic Chris Martin, who also attended the scene, said: “Prior to our arrival, the man was found unconscious and not breathing and he was being treated by a team of medics from the medical providers Hearts Services and first aiders.

“They commenced advanced life support and defibrillated the man three times prior to our response car arriving at the scene. With their assistance, we delivered four further shocks and the man regained consciousness.

“There is no doubt that the rapid interventions and treatment they gave the man before we arrived has saved his life. They must be all very proud of themselves.”

Ambulance officer Gary Sanderson said: “This proves that having basic knowledge of how to recognise and treat a patient who is in cardiac arrest will save lives.

“Without doubt their rapid interventions and being in the right place at the right time has saved this man’s life. They must feel very proud indeed, well done to all involved.”