Video: Person who died during Leiden marathon is a 15-year-old girl
The runner who died after collapsing during the half-marathon in Leiden on Sunday has been identified as a 15-year-old girl from Oegstgeest, organizers said. The event’s official minimum age is 16, Leiden Marathon spokesman Tjeerd Scheffer told RTL.
The girl became unwell during the race and was treated at the scene by emergency responders, who arrived in large numbers. A trauma helicopter also landed at the event, but the girl could not be saved. The cause of her medical emergency remains unclear.
“Our system is based on the age participants enter themselves,” Scheffer said by phone. Following the incident, organizers canceled the 10-kilometer race and the Kidsrun, both scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
Runners already participating in the marathon and half-marathon were allowed to complete their races.
Scheffer said he was deeply affected by the girl’s death. “This is terrible news, first and foremost for the family this girl was part of,” he said. “And for family members, friends, and acquaintances, this sudden death is an enormous blow. Our thoughts are with them, and we wish them much strength.”
Leiden Mayor Peter Heijkoop also expressed condolences. “This is incredibly sad news, and the shock over this is great,” Heijkoop said. “As a father, as a lover of running, and also as mayor, I feel deeply for those involved. My heart goes out to the family affected by this.”
