Man, 26, dies after collapsing during Great Bristol run as organisers reveal ‘great sadness’

A 26-YEAR-OLD man has tragically died after collapsing during the Great Bristol Run.

Organisers confirmed in a statement that it was “with great sadness” the runner died.

The Great Run Company said in a statement that the man was treated by medics and later died in hospital.

The statement read: “Everyone involved in the organisation of the Great Bristol Run would like to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the participant.

“We take the health and safety of all participants very seriously and we work hard to ensure our events are delivered safely,” the Great Run Company statement continued.

“All event plans are rigorously assessed and signed off by the Bristol Safety Advisory Group for Events.”

The man’s cause of death has yet to be determined.

Organisers estimated more than 15,000 people participated in the Great Bristol Run, making it the “biggest ever”.

The event is one of the UK’s most popular running events and has been part of the city since 1989.

The event hosted a half-marathon and a 10km run (6.2 miles), along with a race specifically for runners who are visually impaired, a wheelchair event and a one-mile family race.

Both the 10k and half-marathon courses started and finished on Anchor Road.

The one-mile family run, in partnership with Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, was designed to raise money for the Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Many runners pounded the pavement to raise money for worthy causes, including Women’s Royal Army Corp, Bristol Autism Support and Cancer Research UK.

According to the event’s official description: “Loved by Bristolians and beyond, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is known as the best in the South West – and for good reason.

“Each year, thousands of runners push their perseverance and passion to the limit and take on Bristol’s super-scenic 10k and half marathon routes.

“If stunning views, inspiring history and graffiti murals are your thing, then the Great Bristol Run is right up your street.

“Starting in the heart of the city, runners will pass some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and hear the incredible local support all along the route, before a grandstand finish in Millennium Square.

“But it’s not just the inspiring scenery that attracts runners from far and wide: the fast, flat course also makes this running event perfect for those on the hunt for a new personal best – or just looking to get to the finish line.”