During the race two participants reportedly died of what appears to be heart attacks. According to reports from the marathon organizers, a 21-year-old Asian man collapsed at the finish line, while another man who was age 40 went down just about a quarter of a mile from the finish of the 26 mile race.
It was reported by CBS news that the two men were pronounced dead at the Hahnemann University Hospital. In a statement the Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend Executive Director Melanie Johnson said, “We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with their families and friends.”
In this 18th annual marathon in the city of Philadelphia there were approximately 25,000 runners and an estimated 60,000 who turned out to cheer them on.
In addition to the two who died at the end of the course, another 10 participants were taken to the hospital by ambulance. There was no further information released regarding the status of the individuals or the extent of any injuries.
As for the men who died during Sunday’s race, their identities have not been released, pending notification of relatives.