A 74-year-old runner died last week after a vehicle drove into the course of the Florida Half Marathon in Melbourne, Florida, striking him during the early moments of the February 8 race.
Albert Jernigan “A.J.” Swann, of St. Simons Island, Georgia, was hit at the intersection of South Harbor City Boulevard and Hibiscus Boulevard — less than a mile from the start line. He died eight days later, on February 16, from injuries sustained in the crash.
Melbourne Police Department Sgt. Ben Slover confirmed that “a vehicle drove into the footprint of the marathon” and struck Swann. No arrest has been made, and the investigation remains open. Police have not released the identity of the driver.
A Lifelong Runner
Those who knew Swann remembered him as a dedicated and accomplished athlete. According to a statement posted on the race’s Facebook page, he had completed nine marathons and 30 half marathons, and countless 5K and 10K races over the years — including a previous finish at the Florida Half Marathon itself.
“AJ loved running and the camaraderie he shared with his fellow runners,” the statement read. “He will be very much missed by his running friends and race event staffs.”
Outside of running, Swann was described as an accomplished golfer, a businessman, and a devoted family man. A celebration of his life is scheduled for March 1 in St. Simons Island.
What Happened on the Course
At the section of the course where the incident occurred, most of the road remains open to vehicle traffic during the race. One lane is closed and cordoned off with cones for runners. A police officer was also stationed at that intersection.
Race director Mitch Varnes, who has managed the event since 2009, said the safety plan is reviewed and approved by the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Melbourne, and professional barricade companies.
“We were only told that a vehicle penetrated our secure areas,” Varnes told Runner’s World. He added: “It’s tragic, and we’re extremely saddened about the situation.”
Varnes said the race’s course had already been modified before the event — in December, organizers announced that the full marathon was canceled due to ongoing construction, and the half marathon was rerouted as an out-and-back. He said that change did not alter the race’s safety setup.
“Our race is safe and secure as it can be,” he said. “Safety is our number-one priority.”
A Wider Concern for Runner Safety
Incidents involving vehicles and road races are rare, but Swann’s death is a stark reminder of the risks that come with racing on roads shared — even partially — with traffic. Many runners train and race on public roads every day, and understanding road safety is part of the sport.
For the running community, the loss of a 74-year-old who had spent decades lining up at start lines carries a particular weight. Swann was the kind of runner who kept showing up, year after year — accumulating races not for fame but for the love of the sport and the people in it. He was a reminder of what running can look like well into later life.
The Melbourne Police Department has not provided a timeline for when the investigation might conclude.
