Runner dies in Great North Run half marathon

London: A runner has died in taking part in the Great North Run half marathon event in Newcastle, organisers announced on Sunday.

Organisers added in a statement: "We deeply regret the loss of life of a participant at the Great North Run today and offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the individual concerned.

"In such circumstances there is a strictly planned procedure we adhere to. Our priority is to ensure that the next of kin are informed and therefore we will not be in a position to make any further comment today."

About 57,000 people took part in the event which started in Newcastle and finished in South Shields, reports Xinhua.

Double Olympic champion Mo Farah retained the men's title while Kenyan Mary Keitany won the women's race.