File picture of runners.

A man died after collapsing at the finishing line of the Reading Half Marathon, its organisers said.

The unnamed runner, aged in his late 30s, crossed the line at the Madejski Stadium and was immediately taken to hospital.

Doctors were unable to resuscitate him and he was pronounced dead yesterday afternoon, the organisers said.

A statement from them said at the time: "We can confirm that a participant collapsed today at the finish line of the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon in the Madejski Stadium.

"The male, in his late 30s, was taken to hospital immediately where they were unable to resuscitate him.

"This is deeply upsetting and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this distressing time."

More than 13,000 runners completed the event, which is in its 29th year.

Reading FC chairman Sir John Madejski sounded the horn to start the runners off before he joined the 13.1 mile-run himself.

Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched by event organisers after four athletes went off course during the marathon.

An event spokesman said: "This has recently been brought to our attention and the course is extensively marshalled and extremely well-marked.

"However, clearly something has gone wrong for this to have happened. We are rigorously investigating this to establish exactly what happened."