London Marathon runner dies on way home after completing race
London Marathon organisers have released a statement after the death of runner, Steve Shanks, 45, as he travelled home after completing the race.
Shanks was a keen runner who had completed the race in 2 hours, 53 minutes and 26 seconds before being taken ill and passing away as he travelled home. Event organisers have issued a statement sending condolences to his family and friends.
A statement from organisers read: “Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he travelled home on Sunday April 23 after taking part in the London Marathon.
“Steve, who was 45 and lived in Bingham, Nottingham, was a very experienced runner who had completed many marathons and finished on Sunday in 2:53:26.
“All involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express sincere condolences to Steve’s wife Jess, his family and friends.
“A fundraising page for the Multiple Sclerosis Society has been set up in Steve’s memory. The cause of death will be established later through medical examination. The family has asked for privacy and no further details will be released in accordance with their wishes.”
His wife, Jessica, shared her “great sadness” in a post on Facebook. She wrote: “It’s with great sadness, that I wish to announce the loss of my wonderful husband, Stephen Shanks.
Meanwhile, London Marathon women’s champion Sifan Hassan may try to emulate Czech great Emil Zatopek by going for gold in the 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon at next year’s Paris Olympics, according to reports on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Dutch athlete, who won the Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m titles in Tokyo, made a stunning marathon debut in London on Sunday, coming home first in two hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds.
Hassan’s coach, Tim Rowberry, told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper that she started talking about Zatopek’s feat after Sunday’s race. The Czech won the three distance golds at the Helsinki Games in 1952.
Rowberry said Hassan has been pointing to the fact that no one had won the 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon at an Olympics since Zatopek, suggesting a seed had been planted in her head.
Hassan, who also finished third in the 1,500m in Tokyo, typically keeps her plans close to her chest and only decides things at the last moment. — Mirror Sports
