Runner dies 'just around the corner from the finish line' at half-marathon in Derby

The unnamed man collapsed while taking part in the Ramathon in Derby and later died in hospital

Eyewitnesses say the unnamed man collapsed moments from the finishing line (Rex Features)

A man has died after collapsing while running a half marathon in Derby over the weekend.

The unnamed 38-year-old collapsed while taking part in the Ramathon event which began and ended at the iPro football stadium on the outskirts of the city.

Derbyshire Police said the man collapsed while running the 13.1 race and received assistance from St John’s Ambulance medics at the scene.

He was taken to Royal Derby Hospital by the East Midlands Ambulance Service but later died.

His family have been informed and the race organisers have expressed their condolences, the Derby Telegraph reports.

One witness Mick Potter, who was at the race supporting family members, told the newspaper: “I just happened to notice lots of groups of runners going by and then this man collapsed by the railings. It was his fellow runners that started to help him before the St John Ambulance people.

“They did a tremendous job in the heat and didn’t stop treating him for about 15 minutes before the ambulance got there.”

Another eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said he collapsed at around 11:15am “just around the corner from the finish line”.

The organisers of the event, in which approximated 4,000 people participated, said in a statement: "It is with regret that we have learned that a 38-year-old man has died in hospital after collapsing at the Ramathon event. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family and friends."

A Derbyshire Police spokesman said: "Police can confirm that a 38-year-old collapsed while running in the Derby Ramathon earlier today. He was taken to hospital and later died in hospital. His family are aware and the coroner has been informed."