Family of girl, 15, says Leiden half-marathon organisers not to blame for fatal collapse

Relatives of the 15-year-old Rosalie from Oegstgeest, who passed away on Sunday during a half-marathon in Leiden, say she was well prepared and had experience with longer distances. In a statement issued via Namens de Familie, the family emphasised that the organisers of the event should not be held responsible in any way.

Around midday, she fell ill at the intersection of Lage Rijndijk and Herensingel in Leiden, roughly four kilometres from the finish line. Although emergency responders quickly attempted resuscitation and a Mobile Medical Team was dispatched, she passed away on the spot, Omroep West reported.

“She was a kind, sporty, and ambitious teenager,” the statement reads. “At school and in her sport, she did everything with great care and dedication. She was athletic and very sporty. She had previously run long distances and had prepared well for running a half-marathon. In her environment, no one doubted that she would complete the distance successfully. She would have turned 16 in less than a month. It was the family’s own responsibility that she registered. At this moment, it is not clear what led to her death.”

The half-marathon in Leiden has an official minimum age requirement of 16. According to the organisers, the registration process is based on the age participants provide themselves, and no systematic verification of ID documents is conducted.

Following the incident, the organisation called off the rest of the programme, including the 10-kilometre race and the Kidsrun. Participants who were already running the marathon or half-marathon were permitted to complete their routes, but all accompanying celebrations and event festivities were stopped.

Organiser Tjeerd Scheffer said he was “completely heartbroken” and profoundly affected by the tragic news. Mayor Peter Heijkoop also reacted with shock. “As a father, as a running enthusiast, and also as mayor, I deeply sympathise,” he said.

A memorial site has been set up for the girl at her school in Leiden. At the place where Rosalie became unwell, a sea of flowers has appeared, along with cards, candles, stuffed toys, and even a marathon medal.

In the statement, the family also expressed gratitude to the runners who could no longer participate in the 10-kilometre event and the Kidsrun after they were cancelled, thanking them for their understanding and support.