Two men die after collapsing at Great North Run

Two men died after collapsing while completing Sunday’s Great North Run.

The participants, both 25-year-old men from the North East of England, suffered medical emergencies during the event and later died despite receiving emergency medical treatment, organisers said.

Announcing the deaths on Monday, a spokesperson for The Great Run Company said: “It is with deep sadness, [we} can confirm the death of two participants at yesterday’s Great North Run.

“We are continuing to support their families during this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who loved and knew them.”

Organisers said no further details regarding the identities of the men will be released.

The deaths came following a record-breaking weekend for the world’s largest half marathon, which saw 63,000 runners take part in the event, including prime minister Andy Burnham.

First staged in 1981 after being founded by Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist Sir Brendan Foster, the event has grown from a local fun run of 12,000 entrants into a recognised annual sporting event.

Over 1.4 million people have completed the course since its inception, with more than 200,000 spectators lining the streets across Tyne and Wear each autumn.

The event serves as one of the largest fundraising efforts in the country, generating an estimated £25 million for charitable causes every year.