A 36-year-old man has passed away after collapsing less than three miles from the finish line at the London Marathon.
The runner, who has not been named, was taking part in the event yesterday (2 October) when he collapsed between mile 23 and 24 of the 26.2-mile course.
He immediately began receiving medical treatment, and within three minutes an ambulance in the area arrived and was able to start offering further assistance.
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The runner was transported to hospital, but later died.
The TCS London Marathon confirmed the news in a statement issued this afternoon, one day after the event.
The organiser said: "With deep sadness, we confirm the death of a participant in the 2022 TCS London Marathon.
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"A 36-year-old man from South East England collapsed between mile 23 and 24 and, although he received immediate medical treatment and an ambulance was on the scene within three minutes, he died later in hospital.
"Everyone involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express sincere condolences to his family and friends.
"The family has requested privacy and no further details will be released in accordance with their wishes. The cause of death will be established later through medical examination."
The London Marathon began yesterday at Blackheath in Greenwich, with runners following a course through the capital city towards the finish line on the Mall by Buckingham Palace.
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More than 40,000 runners took part in the event yesterday, with TCS London Marathon advising all participants to visit their doctor for a check-up prior to taking part in the event.
The organisers further assure that the 'highly trained teams of stewards and dog support staff work alongside police officers, the emergency services and event organisers' to help ensure everyone's safety at the event.
"As these teams work across the course and beyond, there should always be someone very close by. Every steward on and around the route can communicate with other stewards and the Event Control Room, as well as the police, via radio and other channels. Our Event Control Room also has access to extensive CCTV to help keep you safe," TCS London Marathon explains.
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Kenyan runner Amos Kipruto came first to win the men's race as he crossed the finish line in less than 2 hours and 5 minutes, while Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw managed to recover from a fall to win the women's race in 2 hours, 17 minutes and 25 seconds.
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Emily Brown