Detroit runners' deaths: Heart issues

In Detroit two last month three male runners died within minutes of each other. Two were entered in the Detroit Free Press Marathon, the other was running in the Flagstar Half Marathon.

Both of the marathoners died of heart attacks, one was 36, the other man was 26. The half marathoner was 65, his cause of death was listed as heart disease.

When runners die during a race, particularly men, heart attacks are usually the cause.

As for heart disease as a cause of death for a race entrant, that's unusual. The assumption--and remember, I am not a doctor--is that someone suffering from heart disease would not be able to withstand the training regimen and make it to the starting line.

Rest in peace.

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