Nottingham man dies after completing London marathon
Steve Shanks passed away while travelling home from the event.
The organisers of the London Marathon have released a statement, following the death of Nottingham runner Steve Shanks.
The 45 year old, from Bingham, fell ill on his way home from the race and passed away a short time later.
Shanks was a keen runner, who finished the race in 2 hours, 53 minutes and 26 seconds.
Organisers of the event have paid tribute to the runner and sent condolences to his friends and family.
The statement reads: " Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he travelled home on Sunday 23 April after taking part in the London Marathon."
"Steve, who was 45 and lived in Bingham, Nottingham, was a very experienced runner who had completed many marathons and finished on Sunday in 2:53:26.
"All involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express sincere condolences to Steve's wife Jess, his family and friends.
"A fundraising page for the Multiple Sclerosis Society has been set up in Steve's memory.
"The cause of death will be established later through medical examination.
"The family has asked for privacy and no further details will be released in accordance with their wishes."
His wife Jessica shared her "shock and devastation" in a post on Facebook.
She wrote: "It’s with great sadness that I wish to announce the loss of my wonderful husband, Stephen Shanks. His passing was sudden & out of the blue yesterday 23/04/23 .
"He was returning home having spent the day participating in the London Marathon. As you can imagine I’m absolutely in shock & devastated."
Tributes to Steve are pouring in on social media too.
Organisers of the fundraising page set up in Steve's memory say:
"This fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society is in memory of Steve. It was a cause close to his heart because a number of his close friends have MS.
Steve was a keen runner never happier than running anything, from his local Parkrun, to the Bob Graham Round.
"But he was more than just a runner he was musician, a knitter, and a renowned quizzer possessed of extensive knowledge of terrible pop music.
"He was a loving husband and soulmate of his wife Jess, treasured son and son in law, and a much loved friend. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts and memories."
You can visit the fundraising page here.