Marathon Runner Dies Moments Before Crossing Finish Line

A 30-year-old man died near the finish line of the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon yesterday.

The runner, who has yet to be identified, collapsed shortly before 9am close to the finish line in Coney Island as temperatures soared from below 60F at dawn to nearly 80 degrees by morning.

He and five other runners participating in the race were hospitalised and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

Three of the other runners were listed in serious condition, while the remaining two were reported with minor injuries, the New York Fire Department said. 

While race organisers warned participants of the heat advisory in place for New York, the first one in 16 years, it is not yet clear if the heat led to the death and injuries, officials said. 

The death at today’s Brooklyn Half Marathon was the first time since 2014 where a participant in a half-marathon died in the city. 

New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, had also issued a warning about yesterday’s heat, saying beaches are still closed and asking residents to check up on neighbours.