Two Men Die at Philadelphia Marathon of Apparent Heart Attacks

Two runners died during the Philadelphia Marathon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this morning.

The first man, 21, collapsed at the finish line and the second victim, 40, fell a quarter of a mile before the finish line.

Both were taken to Hahnemann University Hospital and pronounced dead of apparent heart attacks.

Race director Melanie Johnson said in a statement, “Philadelphia Marathon and Philadelphia Half Marathon organizers extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the two runners who lost their lives at the Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon today. We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with their families and friends. We cannot at this time disclose the identities of the runners pending notification of the families. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Our thoughts remain with the runners’ families and friends.”