Runners compete in the VUM last weekend. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

HÒA BÌNH — A runner passed away at a hospital in Hòa Bình City on Sunday following participation in the Việt Nam Ultra Marathon (VUM).

According to the event’s organising board, on the evening of Saturday, the runner was seen by follow participants who noted the runner’s behaviour with concern and tried to help the runner. As they were assisting the runner, the runner fainted.

After that, a team of 14, comprised of medical staff and other race crew, were then involved in performing emergency medical care and transferred the runner to a hospital.

However, despite the medical assistance, the runner could not be saved and he sadly passed away at Hòa Bình Hospital on Sunday.

The organising board sent its deepest condolences to all the family and friends of the runner at this difficult time.

To respect the privacy of the family, the runner’s name is not shared.

The first edition of the VUM gathered about 2,200 athletes from 40 countries. Runners competed in distances of 5km, 10km, 25km, 50km and 70km. VNS