Tragic race

A 21 ­ YEAR ­ OLD runner who died during a half marathon in Elche at the weekend was a Spanish soldier.

Fernando Ayala Collado collapsed when he crossed the finish line apparently due to a heart attack. After first being treated by the medical services at the race, he was taken by ambulance to Elche General Hospital, where he passed away shortly afterwards.

It is believed the tragedy was due to the unseasonably hot weather registered at the weekend, with temperatures close to 30ºC.

Elche mayor Carlos González expressed his condolences to the family of the young athlete and called on the municipal medical services to clarify the exact reasons for the accident “on a day on which the race was marked by a strong heat that made it harder than usual on a course with hardly any difficulties.”