Half marathon runner dies after ‘incident’ at finish line

Competitor’s death comes a year after Ben McDonald suffered fatal cardiac arrest following 2018 race

The runner died after crossing the finish line. (Screenshot/BBC)

A runner has died after taking part at the Cardiff Half Marathon, following a medical incident at the finish line.

The person was treated by an emergency team at the scene and taken immediately to the University Hospital of Wales, where they later died.

No further details about the runner have been released.

Around 27,500 competitors took part in the half marathon, which is organised annually by Run 4 Wales. A spokesperson said further statements would be published in due course.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the runner who tragically passed away after taking part at the event,” said Matt Newman, the organisation’s chief executive.

“The emergency services reacted to this terrible situation with great speed and professionalism. Everyone connected with the race is devastated.”

“It was an incident at the finish line, yards away from the primary medical centre so it was an instant response,” he added, according to the BBC.

“Terribly sad news,” said Matt Jukes, the chief constable of South Wales Police, on Twitter.

“My thoughts are with all those affected.”

Ben McDonald, a 25-year-old runner, died at last year’s marathon after suffering a cardiac arrest which occurred after he crossed the finish line.

Fifty two of his family and friends took part in this year’s events, wearing “For Ben” T-shirts, according to Wales Online.

”As a family we are shocked and devastated that another family has to go through the same process that we have been dealing with for the past year,” Drew McDonald, Ben’s brother, said in response to the latest tragedy.

The race is the second-biggest half marathon in the UK behind Newcastle’s Great North Run.