London Marathon runner, 45, dies on his way home after finishing – leaving family ‘devastated’ 

An experienced runner who completed the London Marathon in less than three hours tragically died shortly after the race.

Steve Shanks, from Bingham, Nottingham, passed away suddenly while travelling home after celebrating his achievement on Sunday, organisers for the London Marathon announced.

The 45-year-old’s ‘devastated’ wife Jessica Shanks described her heartbreak in an emotional Facebook post, while runners have been paying tribute – including Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts, a fellow racer at the Marathon, who said she was ‘very sad’ to hear the news.

Mrs Shanks wrote: ‘It’s with great sadness, that I wish to announce the loss of my wonderful husband, Stephen Shanks. His passing was sudden and out of the blue. He was returning home having spent the day participating in the London Marathon.

‘As you can imagine I’m absolutely in shock and devastated.’

Mr Shanks completed Sunday’s race in two hours and 53 minutes. He had won multiple club championships across various distances, even obtaining a clean sweep in 2009, and is said to have travelled all across Europe to compete in events, styling himself as a ‘ParkRun tourist’ who particulary enjoyed running in Poland.

His local club, Holme Pierrepont Running Club, said it was ‘shocked and saddened’ to learn of his death. 

The club said: ‘We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Steve Shanks following the London Marathon.’

A spokesperson for the London Marathon said in a statement: ‘Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he travelled home on Sunday April 23 after taking part in the London Marathon.

‘The cause of death will be established later through medical examination.’

Mr Shanks died shortly after completing the London Marathon on Sunday, leaving his wife Jess and wider family ‘devastated’

Adele Roberts was among those paying tribute to Mr Shanks on Wednesday (Pictured: Ms Roberts after completing the London Marathon on Sunday)

Sharing the statement on Twitter, organisers included a link to a fundraising page to gather donations for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. It is understood Mr Shanks had multiple friends with MS. 

They added: ‘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.’