Woman, 30, dies running marathon

A 30-year-old woman collapsed and died while running in the London Marathon, organisers said.

She collapsed at Birdcage Walk, near St James’s Park, on the final stretch of the 26.2 mile course, a statement on the marathon’s official website confirmed.

The woman was given medical attention at the scene but died yesterday afternoon, organisers said.

A statement on the London Marathon website said: “We would like to emphasise that our immediate concern is for the family of the deceased. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this difficult time.”

The fatality occurred with the finishing line only one bend away.

Birdcage Walk borders St James’s Park and is the last road that runners have to travel before reaching Buckingham Palace where they turn onto The Mall, on which the finish line is located.

Competitors do not reach Birdcage Walk until after completing 25 miles of the marathon.

Yesterday’s death was the tenth since the London Marathon began in 1981.

Five of the previous fatalities were a result of heart disease in runners apparently unaware that they had a problem. Four of these were cases of severe coronary heart disease.

The last competitor to die was a 22-year-old fitness instructor in 2007.

Up to 37,500 runners set off through the streets of the capital to earn their medals and raise money for countless charities.

In the elite races, the event was dominated by the Kenyans.