French runner dies after Australia’s Gold Coast Marathon

Organizers of Australia’s Gold Coast Marathon say they are working on plans to honour a 34-year-old French national who collapsed just before the finish line at Sunday’s Gold Coast Marathon in Australia and later died in hospital.

According to Australia’s 7news, race organizers Events Management Queensland (EMQ) on Wednesday identified the man as Florian Gallay. The runner reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack within 100 metres of the finish line and was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he died Monday.

EMQ said they had been in touch with Gallay’s brother following the medical emergency during the race. “EMQ CEO Ben Mannion said they had been liaising with Mr. Gallay’s partner and his family members in France and would work with them to honour their loved one in some way next year,” EMQ said in a statement. “The Gold Coast Marathon team members and first responders who dealt directly with Mr. Gallay and his partner on course are being supported following the tragedy.”

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The race organizers added they “work closely with Queensland Health and emergency services every year to ensure there is adequate medical personnel, facilities and response processes in place should an emergency occur” at the event.

Gallay was one of two runners taken to hospital after collapsing during the race. Camryn Lloyd, from Elanora, Queensland, was placed in intensive care after suffering from severe overheating, and remains in critical condition, according to the U.K.’s Daily Mail. The Gold Coast Marathon is held during Australia’s winter. Temperatures on the Gold Coast on race day ranged from 14 C to 20 C.

Lloyd, who has been active on social media, posted a message about the marathon—his first—on the eve of the race. “Hey God thank you for this opportunity to run,” he wrote on FaceBook. “Thank you for the body you have given me. May I honour You in this run. Help me to stay safe and injury free. Give me power and strength. Thank you for the support and guidance. Amen”

Lloyd approached the marathon as a fundraiser to help cover rent, food, clothing and other expenses incurred by the West Bali Orphanage in Indonesia. A GoFundMe page Lloyd set up as part of his marathon campaign to help the orphanage has raised more than AUD$3,200 (C$2,830).