Woman dies running London Marathon

A 30-year-old woman collapsed and died while running in the London Marathon, organisers have said.

She collapsed at Birdcage Walk, near St James' Park, on the final stretch of the 26.2 mile course, a statement on the marathon's official website confirmed.

The woman was given medical attention at the scene but died on Sunday afternoon, organisers said.

The fatality occurred with the finishing line only one bend away. Birdcage Walk borders St James's Park and is the last road that runners have to travel before reaching Buckingham Palace where they turn onto The Mall on which the finish line is located.

The death was the tenth since the London Marathon began in 1981. Five of the previous fatalities were a result of heart disease in runners apparently unaware that they had a problem. Four of these were cases of severe coronary heart disease.

Prince Harry was among the cheering crowds as tens of thousands of fun runners and amateur athletes completed the 32nd London Marathon. Up to 37,500 runners set off through the streets of the capital to earn their medals and raise money for countless charities.

Runners were given a Royal welcome as the Prince offered support to those crossing the finish line. He joked that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge planned to run the 26.2 mile course next year, as he met volunteers and presented prizes to the winning athletes.

In the elite races, the event was dominated by the Kenyans, with Wilson Kipsang winning the men's race at his first attempt with a time of two hours four minutes and 44 seconds. Compatriot Mary Keitany retained her London Marathon title with a time of two hours 18 minutes and 36 seconds, setting a new national record in the process.

A host of famous faces also took part in this year's run in support of good causes. The fastest female celebrity was model Nell McAndrew, who broke down in tears after breaking the three hour mark, finishing with six minutes to spare. Rower James Cracknell was the only other celebrity to finish in less than three hours, crossing the line in two hours 59 minutes having recently recovered from a life-threatening head injury.

Newsreader Sophie Raworth, who collapsed at the 23-mile mark in 2011, banished the memories of last year's marathon to finish the race in three hours 56 minutes. Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls clocked a time of five hours and 33 minutes and revealed he would be celebrating with a well earned bitter.