Two men aged 25, both from the North East of England, have died after collapsing during Sunday's Great North Run, the world's largest half-marathon. Organisers said the pair fell ill during the event and passed away despite the best efforts of medical teams on site, prompting condolences from race organisers and support for the men's families.

The Great Run Company confirmed the deaths in a statement, noting that the cause of death in each case has yet to be determined and that no further details would be released out of respect for the families involved. The 45th edition of the Newcastle to South Shields event drew around 63,000 runners, and this year's race was notable for Andy Burnham becoming the first sitting prime minister to take part.