Runner Participating in 250-Mile Race Dies After Experiencing ‘Serious Medical Emergency’
The Arizona race began on Monday, May 4
Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty NEED TO KNOW A participant in an ultramarathon has died The runner suffered a "serious medical emergency," Cocodona 250 officials said The race, which stretches over 250 miles across Arizona, began on Monday, May 4 A participant in a 250-mile ultramarathon in Arizona has died, authorities said. The runner died after suffering a medical emergency, organizers of the Cocodona 250 said on Wednesday, May 6. “We are deeply saddened to share that a participant experienced a serious medical emergency today during the event and has passed away,” race organizers said in a statement on Instagram .
“The runner’s family and crew have been notified. ” Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now! Race officials did not identify the victim “out of respect for the runner’s family and loved ones,” and said they would “share more only when appropriate.
” The 250-plus-mile-long race stretches across the state and features stark changes in elevation. Organizers of the Cocodona 250 addressed the death of a participant in an Instagram statement Credit: Cocodona 250/Instagram The race, which starts in Black Canyon City and ends in Flagstaff, began on Monday, May 4 and typically takes participants days to finish. Last year, the winner on the men's side, Dan Green, finished in just under 59 hours .
Organizers have decided not to cancel the race despite the death. “The race is going to continue in their honor,” Cocodona 250 officials said in a statement. “We ask all participants and crew to carry the memory of this runner with you on the trail.