Horror as London Marathon 2023 runner Steve Shanks, 45, dies after completing race as family reveal devastation
A LONDON Marathon runner died on his way home after completing the race on Sunday.
Keen runner Steve Shanks, 45, finished the 26.2 mile race in an impressive two hours and 53 minutes.
But race organisers today revealed his tragic death in a heartbreaking statement.
It read: “Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he travelled home on Sunday April 23 after taking part in the London Marathon.
“Steve, who was 45 and lived in Bingham, Nottingham was a very experienced runner who had completed many marathons and finished on Sunday in 2:53:26.”
They added: “The cause of death will be established later through medical examination.”
Steve’s wife Jessica shared her shock in a post on Facebook.
She wrote: “It’s with great sadness, that I wish to announce the loss of my wonderful husband, Stephen Shanks.
“His passing was sudden & out of the blue.
“He was returning home having spent the day participating in the London Marathon.
“As you can imagine I’m absolutely in shock & devastated.”
A fundraising page has now been set up in Steve’s memory.
A tribute on the GoFundMe reads: “Steve was a keen runner never happier than running anything, from his local Parkrun, to the Bob Graham Round.
“But he was more than just a runner he was a musician, a knitter and a renowned quizzer who possessed of extensive knowledge of terrible pop music.
“He was a loving husband and soulmate of his wife Jess, treasured son and son-in-law, and a much-loved friend.
“He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts and memories.”
A record 48,000 runners braved the rain to take on the iconic city route.
Celebrities including Towie’s Mark Wright, Virgin Radio host Chris Evans and Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher were among them.
Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum won the elite men’s race in 2hrs 01min 27sec, while Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan won the elite women’s race in 2hrs 18min 33sec.