Jenny Simpson Discharged From Hospital 10 Days After Sudden Cardiac Arrest

June 27, 2026

Jenny Simpson, the most accomplished American woman ever to race the 1500 meters, has been discharged from Duke University Hospital and will continue her recovery in North Carolina, the running retailer Fleet Feet announced Thursday afternoon.

The statement, first reported by LetsRun.com, confirmed for the first time that Simpson had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while pacing a group of middle school milers at a Sir Walter Running Pop Up Mile event in Raleigh, N.C., on June 16. Bystanders performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator at the scene before she was transported to UNC Rex Hospital. She was later transferred to Duke University Hospital, where she spent the next nine days under medical care.

“We’re grateful to share that Fleet Feet Chief Running Officer Jenny Simpson has been discharged from Duke University Hospital and will continue her recovery in North Carolina following the medical emergency she experienced during the Sir Walter Running Pop Up Mile event,” Fleet Feet wrote in the statement provided to LetsRun.com. MARATHON HANDBOOK