I've got a theory on why this happens. Let me first say that I have a personal rule that I will never undertake any physical exercise in a competitive situation. I am over 50 and I have learned that competitive situations can easily lead to over doing it. In my case I have plenty of cardiovascular health but am prone to musculoskeletal injuries in those situations. It does not have to be an actual race, rather any situation when you are in company and can be tempted to show off or keep up.
What I now do is simply announce to everyone that I do not allow myself to get involved in such situations. Better still make inquiries beforehand.
My guess is that this poor chap was making a bit of a personal come-back and pushed himself. It's ok to do that when you're 30 but inadvisable for some of us older folks. Such a shame for wife or kids who might have been spectating.