Two 25-year-old men die after collapsing during the Great North Run

TWO 25-year-old men have died after taking part in the Great North Run. The two runners collapsed at Sunday’s half-marathon, the event organisers have confirmed. Two North East men tragically died during this weekend’s Great North Run Credit: NCJ Media Both men were aged 25 the event organisers have said Credit: Getty The organisers said the pair, both from the north east, died despite the “very best efforts” of medical teams. The cause of death has yet to be ascertained. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Officials said that no further details will be released out of respect for the men’s families. The Great Run Company said: “Everyone involved in organising the Great North Run extends their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the two participants. “We are continuing to support their families during this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who loved and knew them.” Some 63,000 runners took part in the 45th staging of the Newcastle to South Shields run, with Andy Burnham becoming the first sitting prime minister to take part. Burnham is the first serving PM to take part, and was joined by the likes of famous faces Jake Quickenden, Joe Wicks, Chris Kamara, Ben Shepherd, Joe McElderry, Helen Skelton and Peter Reid – with England and Newcastle defender Dan Burn acting as official race starter. Also on the course was the best friend of PC Matthew Blades who died in the tragic A66 crash. Most read in The Sun Daragh Burke, 37, bravely donned the officer’s vest for the half marathon after promising to complete the 13-mile course on his behalf. PC Blades, also 37, signed up to run the race and was raising money for Parkinson’s UK when he died in the horror smash.