Philadelphia Marathon 2011: Tragedy Strikes as Two Runners Collapse and Die

The 2011 Philadelphia Marathon took a tragic turn on Sunday. The grueling 26.2 mile run has claimed the lives of two runners.

CBS News reported that race organizers confirmed a 21-year-old Asian male collapsed at the finish line, and a 40-year-old white male collapsed just a quarter-mile from the finish line.

CBS also reported that the two runners were taken to Hahnemann University Hospital. They were pronounced dead of apparent heart attacks.

Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend Executive Director Melanie Johnson is quoted on the above linked article, as saying following the tragedy:

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We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with their families and friends.

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These were not the only health concerns to emerge from this marathon, either.

This is certainly not the anyone wanted this huge marathon to unfold. This was the 18th annual addition of this race. At least 25,000 participants were reported, along with 60,000 spectators.

The course begins at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and loops around through the historic city before ending right where it began. Along the way runners travel past City Hall, the Schuykill River and Manayunk.

This is all of little concern as thoughts go out to the fallen runners and their families.

The identity of the deceased runners will not be released until relatives are notified.