Police name runner who died after collapsing during half-marathon

A MAN who died after collapsing during a city half-marathon has been named by police.

Aubrey Smith, 28, was taking part in the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday when he collapsed. He was taken to the city’s Royal Infirmary where he died later in the day.

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal and a post-mortem examination will be held to determine the cause of death, which police say is not suspicious.

Archie Graham, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died at this very sad time.”

Organisers said this year’s run had its highest number of entrants, with a total of 24,089 people running the 13.1-mile race, a 10-kilometre run and junior races on Saturday.

Half-marathon runners crossed the Kingston Bridge and took in Bellahouston and Pollok parks. For the first time since 2006, a runner successfully defended his title. Kenyan Joseph Birech won the half-marathon in 63 minutes and 15 seconds. Ethiopian Bezunesh Bekele was first in the women’s race, crossing the line after 69 mins, 10 secs.

The first wheelchair athlete to finish the half-marathon was Phil Hogg, in 56 min, 43 secs.

Meanwhile, the first person from Scotland to complete the half-marathon was Ross Houston, finishing eighth in 66 minutes and 28 seconds. The first woman from Scotland was Hayley Haining, finishing 24th on

75 minutes and 2 seconds.

An estimated £1.5 million was raised for charity over the weekend.