Workmates express shock at death of marathon runner

Published on Monday 24 May 2010 22:34

COLLEAGUES have expressed their shock at the death of a 52-year-old man who collapsed during the Edinburgh Marathon on one of hottest weekends of the year so far.

Douglas MacFarlane was taking part in the 8.1 mile relay section of the marathon on Sunday when he became ill.

Mr MacFarlane, from Edinburgh, was part of a team from the Scottish Malt Whisky Society – where he worked as a manager – that was running to raise money for charity.

He collapsed in Musselburgh Road at about 12:25pm and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he later died.

Mr MacFarlane had been manager at the Vaults, the association's traditional home in Leith, since November 2001.

He was among nearly 17,000 competitors taking part in the marathon and half marathon as temperatures reached 25C.

Paul Miles, managing director of the Scottish Whisky Society, paid tribute to Mr MacFarlane describing him as "a gentleman in every sense of the word".

"This has been extremely shocking for all of us who knew and worked with Doug.

"He was a lovely man. He was someone who was very, very well-known and respected and was a high-profile, popular figure, who was a well-loved colleague and friend to many of us.

"He was a real gentleman to work with, a gentleman in every sense of the word.

"Doug was running to raise money for Chas (Children's Hospice Association Scotland]."

An Edinburgh Marathon spokeswoman said: "Our thoughts and condolences are very much with his family and friends at this time."

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr MacFarlane's death. A report has been sent to the procurator-fiscal.

Of the 16,822 runners taking part in the marathon, half marathon and relay race, 242 runners were treated at medical points along the circuit.

Spectators along the route handed out extra water, while some residents used garden hoses to cool runners down.

NHS Lothian said a further 15 runners were treated in the hospital's accident and emergency department.

The British Red Cross treated more than 100 runners, most for heat-related problems.