Tragedy Strikes at Great Bristol Run as 28-Year-Old Man Dies After Collapsing
A 28-year-old man has died after collapsing during the Great Bristol Run in the city over the weekend. The incident occurred during the half marathon on Sunday, where the runner received medical attention before being taken to hospital, where he later died.
According to a statement from The Great Run Company, the runner, identified as Jon Devereux, collapsed during the event and received immediate medical treatment. He was then taken to hospital, where he sadly passed away. His next of kin have been informed, and the cause of death is currently unknown.
The Great Run Company has released a statement expressing their condolences to Devereux’s family and friends. "It is with great sadness that The Great Run Company confirms the death of a participant at the Great Bristol Run on Sunday, 11 May 2025," the statement reads. "Jon Devereux, aged 28, collapsed during the event, received immediate medical treatment, and later passed away in hospital. His next of kin have been informed. The entire team involved in organising the Great Bristol Run extends their heartfelt condolences to Mr Devereux’s family and friends. In accordance with the wishes of the family, no further details will be released. The cause of death will be determined later, pending medical examination."
The incident has sent shockwaves through the running community, with thousands of runners taking to the city’s streets for the half marathon and 10k events on Sunday. The Great Bristol Run is a popular event that attracts runners from all over the country, and it is the second year running that a young man has died during the race.
Last year, Hinkley Point quantity surveyor Mike Harper, 26, suffered sudden cardiac arrest while taking part in the event. According to his family, he had no known health issues or family history of young sudden cardiac death. The incident highlights the risks associated with running and the importance of medical cover at such events.
The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity was called to provide emergency medical cover at the event, and their critical care crew was dispatched to provide immediate assistance to Devereux. A spokesperson for the charity said: "Whilst providing emergency medical cover at the Great Bristol Run on Sunday 11 May, our critical care crew were called to provide immediate assistance to a patient who sadly collapsed at the event. A Critical Care Doctor and Specialist Paramedic treated the patient at the scene, before travelling with them to hospital. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends and we would like to thank the two off-duty nurses and ambulance technician who assisted in the early moments."
The Bristol Post has learned that Devereux was a keen runner and had been training for the event for some time. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the local running community, with many taking to social media to express their condolences.
The cause of Devereux’s death is currently unknown and will be determined later, pending medical examination. The incident is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with running and the importance of medical cover at such events. Our thoughts are with Devereux’s family and friends at this difficult time.
This article was first reported by The Bristol Post.
