Runner, 39, Dies at London Marathon

The death of a 39-year-old runner in the London Marathon may lead to a coroner’s inquest, even if an autopsy confirms he died of natural causes.

Robert Ward died of an apparent heart attack Sunday while running to raise money for a hospital cancer unit.

The death was the first in the 10-year history of the London Marathon, dampening enthusiasm over the fact that a world record 24,871 finished.

Scotsman Allister Hutton won in a comparatively fast 2 hours 10 minutes, 10 seconds. Wanda Panfil of Poland won the women’s race in 2:26.31.