London Marathon Death: Claire Squires Named As Runner Who Died Near Finishing Line (PICTURES)

The Huffington Post UK/PA  |  Posted: 23/04/2012 09:04 Updated: 25/04/2012 12:01

The London Marathon runner who collapsed and died at the end of yesterday's race has been named online as Claire Squires.

The 30-year-old hairdresser, who according to the London Evening Standard, was from North Kilworth in Leicestershire, fell to the ground as she made her way along Birdcage Walk, near St James' Park, on the final stretch of the 26.2 mile course.

Tests to establish her cause of death are expected to take place in the coming days. She is the 10th person to die taking part in the London Marathon since it started in 1981.


Claire Squires died shortly before the London Marathon finish line

Claire Squires had originally raised almost £650 for charity through her JustGiving.com page which features the words: "I'm running the london marathon for Samaritans because they continuously support others."

However, since her death, donations have flooded in and the total had risen to nearly£54,000 on Monday afternoon.

A statement on the London Marathon website said: "We would like to emphasise that our immediate concern is for the family of the deceased. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this difficult time."

The statement added: "We will not be releasing any further details of this tragic incident until next of kin have been notified and formal identification has taken place. We would ask for your understanding in this matter."


Claire Squires raised almost £650 for charity through her JustGiving.com page

Birdcage Walk borders St James's Park and is the last road that runners have to travel before reaching Buckingham Palace where they turn onto The Mall on which the finish line is located.

Competitors do not reach Birdcage Walk until after completing 25 miles of the marathon.

Five of the previous fatalities were a result of heart disease in runners apparently unaware that they had a problem. Four of these were cases of severe coronary heart disease.

The last competitor to die was a 22-year-old fitness instructor in 2007.

See pictures of Claire Squires' previous fundraising efforts below...

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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Janalina
06:26 AM on 04/24/2012
A real tragedy. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
DuxMom
Wine merchant, parent, artist
03:01 AM on 04/24/2012
My hope is that through their grief, her family and friends also know that she was one of the good ones, raising money to help others. Rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.
12:30 AM on 04/24/2012
: ((8
HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
carlgt1
11:08 PM on 04/23/2012
Yet Cheney lives on.....disgusting...
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
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RockyMissouri
'You must be carefully taught to hate'...
02:14 AM on 04/24/2012
That's exactly what I thought.....
09:53 PM on 04/23/2012
the good die young whilst evil thrives
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
cmdrmom2
08:01 PM on 04/23/2012
This is so sad, but Claire renews hope that there is still much good about this world.
07:43 PM on 04/23/2012
Bless you Claire and your family.. much love to you all
07:42 PM on 04/23/2012
A lovely girl with a big big heart . Thinking of others and actually doing some thing about it. Why do these lovely people who put others first have to come to such a tragic end. I'm sure you are with the angels being the wonderful person you were.People connected to you have every reason to miss you and be very very proud of you. RIP, Claire
07:30 PM on 04/23/2012
Claire Squires....words cannot express the loss of someone so young and full of life...whoose aim was to help and give to others. So very sad
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Fozwords
Abandon hope when you post on here
07:20 PM on 04/23/2012
Such is the dedication of this type of person, she gave her life to help others, albiet unintentionally, Rest In Peace.
07:20 PM on 04/23/2012
So sad, feel for her family and friends, but what a brave young woman.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
wallace792
Fear Naught
07:12 PM on 04/23/2012
My sympathies to the family and friends of Clair Squires, 'RIP my sweet angel'
07:03 PM on 04/23/2012
I can't start to sympathise enough with the family and friends of this poor girl. This is so, so sad. She did such a wonderful thing and I really do think she is an amazing person. I hope she didn't go through pain and I wish her family the best at this horrible time. God bless you all.
06:18 PM on 04/23/2012
Wow, she looks like the picture of health! How sad
06:12 PM on 04/23/2012
such a beautiful person another angel in the sky god bless and may god give her family strength at this sad time R I P sweatheart