London Marathon runner, 45, tragically dies on his way home after finishing race – as his family say they are ‘devastated’
A London marathon runner who completed the race on Sunday tragically died on his way home, leaving his family ‘devastated’.
Steve Shanks, 45, completed the marathon in just two hours and 53 minutes, but died suddenly which travelling home after celebrating his achievement.
Organisers for the London marathon announced his death today in a statement.
A spokesperson said: ‘Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he travelled home on Sunday April 23 after taking part in the London Marathon.
‘Steve, who was 45 and lived in Bingham, Nottingham, was a very experienced runner who had completed many marathons and finished on Sunday in 2:53:26.
Steve Shanks, 45, died just a short while after celebrating completing the London marathon in just under three hours
‘The cause of death will be established later through medical examination.’
Sharing the statement on Twitter, organisers included a link to a fundraising page to gather donations for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Loved ones of Mr Shanks wrote on the page: ‘Steve was a keen runner never happier than running anything, from his local Parkrun, to the Bob Graham Round.
‘But he was more than just a runner, he was musician, a knitter, and a renowned quizzer possessed of extensive knowledge of terrible pop music.
‘He was a loving husband and soulmate of his wife Jess, treasured son and son in law, and a much loved friend.
‘He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts and memories.’
His wife, Jessica Shanks, shared her devastation in a post on Facebook: ‘It’s with great sadness, that I wish to announce the loss of my wonderful husband, Stephen Shanks.
‘His passing was sudden and out of the blue. He was returning home having spent the day participating in the London Marathon.
‘As you can imagine I’m absolutely in shock and devastated.’
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
Source: Read Full Article
