Nashville Swelters for Country Music Marathon; Results and Tragedy

Amos Matui, 33, of Kenya won the men's elite category of the Country Music Marathon with an unofficial time of 2:13:40. This was the fastest time in Nashville in six years and just 45 seconds off the course record held by Luke Kibet, which was set in the inaugural race.

The women's winner of the Country Music Marathon was Tatiana Pushkareva, 23 of Russia, who finished with an unofficial time of 2:36:43.

However, as heat in Nashville hovered in the 80s, one half-marathon runner passed out and died, just after finishing the half-marathon portion of the Country Music Marathon.

In a statement, the president of Elite Racing, which organizes the Country Music Marathon, Bruce Herring said this:

“It is with regret that we confirm one participant died today of a sudden cardiac event, having collapsed after completing the Country Music Half Marathon. Medical personnel were on the scene and attempted to revive him but their efforts were in vain. This is an unfortunate and tragic loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to family and friends.”

The name of the runner was not immediately released.