Runner Steve Shanks Dies Hours After Completing London Marathon: Cause Still Unknown?

The runner's wife says his dead was "out of the blue."

Steve Shanks, a seasoned runner, died on his way home after completing the London Marathon race, which lasted for roughly three hours last Apr. 23.

The people behind the recent London Marathon 2023 have only confirmed the sudden passing of one of its participants. Shanks was traveling back to his home after finishing the event on Sunday, Apr. 22.

 London Marathon
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Runners take part in The 2023 TCS London Marathon on April 23, 2023 in London, England. Luke Walker/Getty Images for Lucozade Sport

Runner Dies Hours After Finishing London Race

As per a report by People Magazine, the 45-year-old runner was one of the thousands that participated in the London Marathon. Shanks impressively finished the race after running for nearly three hours, or two hours, 53 minutes, and 26 seconds, to be exact.

In a statement by the organizers of the London Marathon, they extended their condolences to the family of the seasoned runner. They say they were "deeply saddened" after learning about his sudden death hours after finishing the race last Sunday.

It is not the first instance that Shanks completed a marathon. In fact, Sky News notes that he previously competed in several marathons. But little did he know that the one in London would be his last.

As of writing, People notes that the cause of death of Shanks has yet to be determined. In the meantime, the London Marathon organizers disclosed that they are still awaiting the results of his medical examination, which should establish the cause of death of the seasoned runner.

On top of that, the organizers also told the public to respect the privacy of the loved ones of Shanks. And with that said, they no longer gave way additional details about the sudden death of Shanks, citing the request of his family.

London Marathon
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Runners take part in The 2023 TCS London Marathon on April 23, 2023 in London, England. Luke Walker/Getty Images for Lucozade Sport

Runner's Wife Says He Passed Away 'Out of the Blue'

Meanwhile, the bereaved wife of the runner, Jess Shanks, addressed "devastating" news of the demise of her husband in a Facebook post on the Redhill Road Runners group. She took the opportunity to tell them about the death of her "wonderful husband." His other half recalls his passing was "sudden and out of the blue."

The runner's wife further disclosed that he was on his way home after the impressive 3-hour run during the London Marathon when he passed away. She admitted in her Facebook post that the sudden death of her husband was devastating and shocking for her.

The Holme Pierrepont Running Club also mourned the passing of their "friend." In the statement, the club highlighted his seasoned history in marathons in various parts of Europe, apart from his recent London Marathon finish. Daily Mail notes that the sudden death of Shanks also shocked the running club.

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