Naperville man wins national obstacle course race after a ‘widow-maker’ heart blockage

A 95% blockage of the widow-maker artery nearly ended Ken Gray’s life; yet the Naperville 60-year-old went on to become a national champion in obstacle course racing. Northwestern Medicine cardiologists say vigorous physical activity after a cardiac event is possible, with some extra precautions.

A psychology professor at College of DuPage, Gray used his own training to help him deal with the immense anxiety he felt after undergoing surgery to open the blockage and place a stent in his largest coronary artery, the left anterior descending artery (LAD). He knew continuing to run obstacle courses was exactly what he needed.

“I was 52 years old and felt good after my procedure,” Gray said. “I had only recently discovered this great sport that combined running, swinging and hanging. I felt like a kid on a playground again.”

A former winner of the Naperville half-marathon in his age group, Gray was heartbroken when his doctor told him he should never race again.

Undeterred, Gray did some research and sought out a cardiologist with more expertise in this area. He met R. Kannan Mutharasan, M.D., a sports cardiologist and medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Palos Hospital.

Sports cardiologists have a unique understanding of what is considered “normal” for an athlete and acknowledge how important activity is to both physical and emotional well-being.

“Exercise is good for the heart, so we do want people to get back to activity,” Dr. Mutharasan said. “However, there is an increased risk for those who have had a heart procedure or a heart attack. It’s important for open and honest communication between the patient and doctor to clearly understand the risks and benefits.”

Dr. Mutharasan advised Gray on a workout plan that would gradually get him back to a level of activity and performance that he was used to.

“I tell patients this isn’t a sprint, it is a marathon,” said Dr. Mutharasan. “We gradually build in more activity over one to two years while closely monitoring the patient. It’s important for the patient to have a clear understanding of what is happening with their body.”

Gray took the advice to heart. He bought a heart rate monitor that alarms if his heart rate gets too high. He pays attention to the warning signs, takes his medication, and doesn’t miss a doctor appointment or test.

Less than a year after his cardiac procedure, Gray ran a 5K.

“I didn’t go fully all-out, but I felt very solid and I knew I was on my way back up,” Gray said. “It was the worst day of my life hearing that I would never race again. I thought a very important part of my life was closed off to me. It was amazing to compete again.”

Gray gradually worked his way back to obstacle courses and continued to get better completing his best race last October. He won first place for the Male 60+ group at the 2023 OCR World Championships.

The 15K (almost 10-mile) course through rugged terrain includes about 40 obstacles, such as climbing, crawling, swinging, balancing, and carrying heavy objects.

“I think I can get even better at obstacle course racing. I have a few ideas for this year to go faster,” Gray said. “I’ve always liked being physically fit, but the competition is what really motivates me. I enjoy the recognition.”

Gray runs about 25 miles a week and does obstacle course work and strength training three times a week at Hartfit HYBRID & OcRx gym in Plainfield. He stresses that he doesn’t “redline” or push to his limit, during workouts.

“There is some danger in an ‘all-out’ sprint, so I encourage heart patients to always leave a little bit in the tank. Seeing Ken’s track record, as long as he continues to listen to medical advice, take his medications and undergo periodic testing, he can continue competing as long as it feels right,” Dr. Mutharasan said. “Ken is inspirational. Competition and fitness are such a big part of his personality, it is wonderful to see him find the right balance to pursue his passion.”

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