Running influencer dead at 25 after collapsing near finish line of half-marathon
Tragedy has struck the international distance running community after the death of popular South Korean athlete and running influencer Yoo Ji-won during the Seoul Race half marathon on Sunday.The 25-year-old runner and social media star collapsed less than a half-mile from the finish line before she was rushed to a local medical facility where she later passed away.A race official found Yoo unconscious on a street near the finish line of the 13-mile race and contacted emergency services.She was given CPR and rushed to hospital, however she never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead soon after.Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of her sudden death and the official medical details remain completely unknown at this stage.The Seoul Race organizing committee issued a formal statement on Monday to confirm the tragedy and express their deep condolences to her family and the wider running public.“We pray for the repose of the deceased and extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family facing this sudden sorrow,” the committee stated.“We would also like to offer our condolences to the participants, whose hearts must be heavy upon hearing the tragic news of the deceased.“The organizing committee will closely examine the relevant matters and take necessary follow up measures.”Fellow runner and friend Bummy detailed the harrowing final moments of the race where he completed his run and noticed a large crowd forming near the finish area.Assuming a minor injury had occurred on the course he proceeded to the presentation podium to look for his friend before hearing the unsettling news that she had been taken away.“Near the finish line of the Seoul Race, I saw a crowd gathering and thought someone must have been hurt,” he wrote.“As soon as I crossed the finish line, I looked for you on the awards podium, but then came the unsettling news, and I began to sense a reality I didn’t want to believe.I dropped everything and rushed to the ...