Runner's death prompts marathon debate

The 2017 Chongqing International Half Marathon is held on Sunday, November 19, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews]

It's being reported a 33-year-old runner has died after collapsing at the Chongqing International Half Marathon on Sunday, November 19, 2017.

The 33-year old collapsed less than 3 kilometers from the finish line after completing 18 kilometers.

This is the third death that has occurred in a Chinese marathon this year alone, bringing the total deaths over the course of the current 'marathon craze' in China up to 16.

Seven other runners have also reportedly survived heart attacks on the courses thanks to on-site medical teams.

The past 3 years has seen a dramatic spike in the number of people taking part in marathons, as cities across China have been promoting the events as a way to help bolster tourism numbers.

Statistics show that 328 marathons and related events were held in 2016, 1.5 times as many as that of 2015 and 15 times higher than in 2011.

An estimated 2.8 million runners took part in marathons in 2016, an increase of 1.3 million compared with 2015 and 7 times larger than that of 2011.

However, reports of runners dying on the course have started to generate new debate in China.

Marathon organizers are required to have on-site medical personnel, and have been told to carry out physical examinations of runners before the competition.

However, because doing medical check-ups on thousands of competitors before a race isn't practical, marathon organizers are warning competitors that they have to assume full responsibility for their own health.