NAKHON PHANOM — A 45-year-old nurse from Tao Ngoi Hospital in Sakhon Nakhon province died on Sunday after collapsing during a 20-kilometer mini-marathon along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was approximately 18 kilometers into the race when she suffered a suspected sudden heart failure, Thai PBS reported.

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Emergency medical teams from Nakhon Phanom Hospital provided immediate CPR at the scene and rushed her to the hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead. Her husband, a police officer, revealed that she had a pre-existing thyroid condition and may have been fatigued due to inadequate rest before the event.

A 45-year-old runner collapsed as she was participating in a mini marathon, being held in the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom on Sunday. She subsequently died.

Working as a nurse at Tao Ngoi Hospital in Sakhon Nakhon, the victim, whose identity has been withheld, and a… pic.twitter.com/59sqgDNzO9

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Deputy Governor Sub-Lt Rueyrung Kraiboot confirmed that medical personnel were stationed at the event but emphasized the need for stricter health screenings for participants in future races. The incident highlights concerns about underlying health risks in endurance events, particularly among runners with unmanaged medical conditions.

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According to the Diseases Control Department, most fatalities during marathons occur in the final stages of the race, often involving participants unaware of underlying health issues or inconsistent medication use. Authorities urge athletes to undergo thorough health evaluations before engaging in strenuous physical activities. The event organizers expressed condolences and are reviewing safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.

-Thailand News (TN)