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British officer dies during London Marathon

Darko Janjevic (AP, Reuters, AFP)April 25, 2016

A 31-year-old army captain collapsed before the end of the London race, and passed away in hospital, marathon organizers say. The man had entered the race for a charity that helps wounded army members.

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London Marathon 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon
Image: Reuters/P.Childs

Afghanistan war veteran David Seath fell down at the 23-mile (37.01 kilometer) mark, some three miles before the end of the 42.2-kilometer race, London Marathon organizers said on Monday.

Nearby medics immediately assisted Seath and rushed him to hospital. However, the 31-year-old officer was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

Authorities did not immediately release an official cause of death.

The Scottish-born Seath was running for the Help For Heroes charity, which raises money for wounded soldiers.

Soldiers to complete race

Captain James Walker-McClimens, who served alongside Seath in Afghanistan in 2012, described his friend as "the greatest type of guy you could imagine."

"In the Army we don't like unfinished business, it was something he wanted to do. He wanted to do the full marathon, so we are going to complete it for him," he added.

Over £14,000 ($20,000, 18,000 euros) has been raised through a charity website page set up in Seath's memory.

Running in orbit

Seath became the 11th runner to die since the first London Marathon 35 years ago. Most recently, runner Robert Berry passed away shortly after crossing the finish line in 2014.

Over 39,000 people took part in Sunday's race, setting a new record for the London competition.

Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge claimed the Men's Champion title with 2 hours and 3 minutes, while his countrywoman Jemima Sumgong won the women's race with a time of 2 hours and 22 minutes.

British astronaut Tim Peake also completed the race on a treadmill aboard the International Space Station, setting a new record for the "fastest marathon in orbit," with a time of 3 hours and 35 minutes.