The man who died in the first ever Reigate half marathon over the weekend has been named as James Phillips.
Tragically, 27-year-old James, of Buckinghamshire went into cardiac arrest 200m from the finish line.
"James was a lovely caring young man with so much to live for, my thoughts go out to his family and friends, RIP James," commented a close friend.
James was running to raise money for the the Patrick Evans Foundation. The charity helps those suffering from any illness or dealing with bereavement.
Confirming the death on Monday, Natalie Bramhall, Councillor for Redhill West, Borough of Reigate and Banstead tweeted:
"Unfortunately it is true a young man lost his life today at the run. An official announcement will be given tomorrow."
She later added:
"As so much speculation, I thought it best to clarify. Terribly sad news, thoughts go out to his family."
In a statement released this morning, a spokeswoman for Run Reigate and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council said:
"Today, Run Reigate and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council can confirm that one of our race participants became ill during the half marathon on Sunday.
"The runner was immediately attended to by an on-site medical emergency team and subsequently transferred to East Surrey Hospital by ambulance where he was later pronounced dead.
"It is with great sadness that Run Reigate and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council can confirm the tragic loss of this runner. We are deeply saddened by what has happened and we extend our condolences to family members and friends."
Tributes flooded in for the deceased runner on social media.
"#rip the runner from #runreigate that died yesterday, so close to the end too. Thoughts go to his family" tweeted Adam A. Charlton.
Yesterday's run, which started and finished in Priory Park, attracted around 5000 runners.
Three charities, The Children's Trust at Tadworth, East Surrey Samaritans and Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance are the beneficiaries of funds raised.
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