HA NOI — Runner Vo Van Thom died after collapsing 18 kilometres into the HCM City International Marathon over the weekend. He was 24 years old.

Thom was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

His funeral took place in his home of Chi Cong Commune, Tuy Phong District in the southern province of Binh Thuan.

“Thom loved sports very much,” said Thom’s brother, Vo Van Thanh. “He took part in many tournaments. I never heard that he had any diseases. But the doctors said he had a stroke, leading to the death. Thom was still single so we are very heartbroken.”

“My family has only two brothers, Thom and me,” said Thanh. “We were working in HCM City. We send money monthly to help our parents. My father is old so he can’t catch fish anymore, while my mother is also old and weak. She has a small grocery to earn her living. On Monday, we had to spend more than VND65millon (US$2,800) to cover hospital expenses and bring Thom from HCM City to Binh Thuan.”

Thom graduated from HCM City University of Science. He worked at the ADVO – Singapore education centre in the city. He also took part in the HCM City International Marathon last year and finished in the top 90 runners.

There has been an outpouring of support for Thom’s family following his death.

“At present, the sum of money donated from Thom’s colleagues and friends is about VND90million ($3,900),” said Tran My, founder of the education centre where Thom worked. “His family situation is very difficult. This loss is big for his family as Thom was very obedient and grateful to his parents. He always behaved wholeheartedly so we loved him very much. We voluntary assisted his family.”

The HCM City International Marathon this year attracted more than 9,000 runners from 50 countries and territories to compete in a wide range of distances including a full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km, 5km and a kids’ dash.

According to Nguyen Van Lai, a national athletics team member, both professional and amateur athletes should prepare carefully for marathons. As the event is quite strenuous, athletes must train hard with a coach and be familiar with nutrition and sports medicine. They must also be aware of any potential health issues before taking part in sporting events. — VNS