A 30-year-old female runner collapsed and died near the finish line of the London Marathon on Sunday. The woman, named online as Claire Squires from North Kilworth, Leicestershire, fell to the floor on Birdcage Walk, near St James' Park, just one bend from the finish.
Despite immediate medical attention from paramedics, she died at the scene. Organisers expressed their deepest sympathies and said their immediate concern is for the family. Formal identification and tests to establish the cause of death are expected in the coming days.
This is the 10th fatality since the London Marathon began in 1981. Five previous deaths were due to heart disease in runners unaware of their condition. The last competitor to die was a 22-year-old fitness instructor in 2007.
The tragic incident occurred as tens of thousands of runners completed the 32nd London Marathon, cheered on by crowds including Prince Harry. In the elite races, Kenya's Wilson Kipsang won the men's event and Mary Keitany retained the women's title.
