Marathon race in eastern Spain results in death of 2 runners

Runners at a marathon

Madrid, April 11 (IANS): Two participants died while running in a marathon in the Spanish province of Castellon, local media confirmed on Monday.

The Marathon of the Green Route of the Black Eyes Region (Maraton Vias Verdes de Ojos Negros) witnessed the death of 57-year-old Francisco Amat from the city of Alicante, who passed out during the 42-kilometre race, reports Xinhua.

He was given emergency treatment and rushed to hospital in the nearby town of Sagunto by emergency services, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The other victim was a 45-year-old man from the Barcelona region. The as-yet unnamed victim finished the race and went to his hotel, where he was taken ill and then taken to hospital by ambulance.

On arriving at the hospital, the 45-year-old passed out and doctors failed to save his life.

The Marathon Vias Verdes de Ojos Negros is one of a series of six marathon races held in Spain on 'Vias Verdes', usually former railway lines which have been changed to allow for cycling, walking and running through a rural environment.

The Ojos Negros race was relatively easy as the race starts inland with the runners heading towards the sea, which sees them descend over 600 metres between the start and the finish line.