Two die in Half Marathon event in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Two participants were confirmed dead at an half marathon held in Almaty, the largest city in in Kazakhstan on Sunday.

The deceased, according to the competition’s website, are 84-year-old Akkoyan Rsaliev and 21-year-old Nurbol Ahmadi.

The two athletes gave up the ghost after completing approximately 16 kilometers of the 21.1-kilometer race and both were known for their dedication to long-distance running.

The organizers say they acted in accordance with international regulations for road races as medical services, emergency services, and police responded promptly and on time, but it could not save the two participants.

The cause of death, according to the organizers, will be known based on the results of a forensic medical examination.

This was not the first time athletes have lost their lives on the road.

Athletes die more often due to underlying health conditions or extreme physical stress. Sudden cardiac death, electrolyte imbalances like hyponatremia, and heat stroke are among the most common causes.

Francisco Lázaro collapsed during the 1912 Olympic marathon due to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance while Anna Loyley tragically passed away at the Bath Half Marathon in 1998 due to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.

In December, the WBA Gold heavyweight boxing world champion Paul Bamba died at the age of 35. His death occurred effectively a week after the athlete won the championship title.