Bobby Edwards, 55, collapsed and stopped breathing near the 10-mile mark Sunday just ahead of a group running to raise money for firefighters killed in the line of duty, WLWT-TV reported.

When they found Edwards lying on the ground, the firefighters and paramedics stopped running and performed CPR, saving his life.

"Time is muscle," said Cincinnati firefighter Kory McDonald. "If nothing is done, what quality of life are you going to bring back?"

After Edwards was on his way to University Hospital in an ambulance, the group resumed its run.

"Today is definitely something special," McDonald said.

"Today is one of those days I will take to my grave," said co-worker Patrick Conrey.

Edwards is expected to make a full recovery.