Two runners died after suffering unrelated medical emergencies during the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on Saturday, organizers confirmed.
The race’s organizing group, Beyond Monumental, said both participants received immediate medical attention from on-site teams and local first responders before being transported to nearby hospitals, where they were later pronounced dead.
“Beyond Monumental and our partners extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the two participants who passed away today following separate, unrelated medical emergencies,” the group said in a statement.
“Our on-site medical team and local first responders provided immediate, coordinated care. Participant safety is our top priority, and we are profoundly grateful to the medical professionals and emergency personnel who responded with such care and professionalism.”
The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the runners as Kyle Fisher, 40, and John Clifford Mace, 71. Fisher was pronounced dead at Methodist Hospital, and Mace at Eskenazi Hospital, according to WFIU News. The causes of death have not yet been released.
Beyond Monumental declined to share further details, citing privacy concerns for the families. An event spokesperson said updates will be shared “only when appropriate and in coordination with families and officials.”
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is among the country’s largest running events, drawing roughly 17,500 participants across the marathon, half marathon, and 5K races. Organizers said they are cooperating with local medical and public safety officials as part of the ongoing investigation.
Deaths at organized marathons are rare.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that cardiac arrest occurs in about 1 in 100,000 runners during marathons or half marathons. While the specific circumstances in Indianapolis remain unclear, experts note that immediate access to medical care and defibrillators has improved survival rates in recent years.
Saturday’s race also saw fast performances on the course. Joseph Whelan won the men’s marathon in an unofficial course record time of 2:12:29, while Amanda Mosborg took the women’s title in 2:32:01, according to WISH-TV.
The news of the deaths cast a somber tone over what is typically one of Indiana’s biggest running weekends. Organizers said they are offering support to the families of the victims.
