KUANTAN: A runner competing in a half marathon died about 8km away from the finish line at the Bentong Mini Carnival today.
Bentong acting district police chief Deputy Superintendent Zainuddin Abdul Hamid said the 71-year-old man, Liew Ah Peh died of heart attack near Kampung Dabung at 9.20am.
“The victim, who participated in the 21km run event with several friends, started the race at 6.30am. He was on his way back to the starting line after arriving at the Chamang Waterfall.
“It was learned that Liew took a break over there after he complained of being tired. Subsequently, he became unconscious and was later pronounced dead,” he said when contacted here.
Zainuddin said the victim, from Kuantan, was an active runner.
The body was taken to the Bentong Hospital for post-mortem examination and the case was classified as sudden death.
Zainuddin also said the Bentong Municipal Council had canceled the running event, which was flagged off by Transport Minister and Bentong member of Parliament Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, out of respect for the victim. — BERNAMA