Runner dies after competing in the Cardiff Half Marathon 

Runner dies after competing in Cardiff Half Marathon – after two competitors died in race the year before

A runner competing in the Cardiff Half Marathon has died today, a year after two other runners passed away shortly after completing the race.

The unidentified competitor was seen being treated at the course before being taken to University Hospital Wales where doctors were unable to save them. 

It marks the third runner death at the Cardiff Half Marathon in the last two years. 

In 2018, Ben McDonald, 25, from Cardiff, and Dean Fletcher, 32, from Exeter, went into cardiac arrest and died shortly after crossing the finishing line within three minutes of each other.

Today’s half marathon was the 17th time the race had taken place, with 27,500 taking part.   

A runner has died after completing the Cardiff Half Marathon today, race organisers have confirmed

More than half the competitors running the 13.1 mile course were women. 

Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman said: ‘Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the runner who tragically passed away after taking part at the event.

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

Matt Jukes, Chief Constable at South Wales Police, tweeted: ‘Terribly sad news. My thoughts are with all those affected.’ 

Last year, Mr McDonald and Mr Fletcher suffered cardiac arrests shortly after completing the race.

Mr Fletcher collapsed in front of his wife and little girl moments after crossing the finishing line.

While McDonald, 25, ran the race with girlfriend Amy and needed medical help moments after crossing the tape.

Both men were taken to the University Hospital of Wales but could not be saved.

Mr Fletcher, an accountant, was described as an ‘amazing husband and father’ to wife Katie and daughter Evie, had completed the Cardiff Half Marathon previously.

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