Two male runners died after suffering cardiac arrests at the finish line on Sunday.

Cardiff Half Marathon race organisers, Run 4 Wales, have confirmed that two male participants died after Sunday’s (October 7) event in the Welsh capital.

The two runners, aged 25 and 32, suffered cardiac arrests after crossing the finishing line.

Both runners were immediately attended to by the medical emergency team, before being taken to University Hospital Wales, Heath, Cardiff where they later died.

“This is a terrible tragedy for the families,” said Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman. “Our deepest sympathies go out to their family and friends.

“The emergency services reacted to this terrible situation with great speed and professionalism. Everyone connected with the race is devastated.”

They unfortunately become the first fatalities in the 15 year history of the race. Since Run 4 Wales took over managing the event in 2012, there have been 116,049 finishers in what has grown to become the second biggest half marathon in the UK.

About 20,000 people took part this year, which incorporated the inaugural Commonwealth Half Marathon. Australian Jack Rayner won the men’s race, while Uganda’s Juliet Chekwel won the women’s race.

RELATED: Jack Rayner and Juliet Chekwel win Commonwealth half marathon

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.