Organisers of the Cardiff Half Marathon have confirmed that a participant in Sunday's event has died. Run 4 Wales, which stages the race in the Welsh capital, released a statement acknowledging the death of a runner during the event, which drew thousands of participants to the city's streets.
Statement from organisers
A spokesperson for Run 4 Wales said: "We can confirm that a participant in this year's event has sadly passed away."
"We'd like to acknowledge the event and hospital medical teams who reacted with great speed and professionalism. Our deepest sympathies go out to the runner's family and friends. In respect of the family's wishes, no further details will be released."
Social media posts from runners and spectators indicated that at least one individual received medical assistance during the race.
Previous tragedies at the race
The half-marathon has seen similar tragedies in recent years. In 2024, 37-year-old father Stephen Jenkins collapsed at the finish line and died. Mr Jenkins went into cardiac arrest and, despite extensive efforts from medical and emergency teams, passed away at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
In 2019, 35-year-old runner Nicholas Beckley died following a collapse at the finish line. The previous year saw two deaths: Ben McDonald, 25, from Cardiff, and Dean Fletcher, 32, from Exeter, both died after competing in the race.
During last year's event, a woman collapsed and went into cardiac arrest on Ninian Park Road.
Race details and winners
The race, 13.1 miles in distance, began near Cardiff Castle and took runners past Cardiff City's home stadium and the Principality Stadium. The finish line was in the Civic Centre, with £4million believed to have been raised for charity.
Gideon Kiprotich won the race with a time of 59.34, while last season's winner Yismaw Dillu finished narrowly behind in second. Joycilline Jepkosgei was the women's champion and achieved a record-breaking course time of 1:05:39.
