Runners and marathon organisers gathering around Siah after he collapsed near the finish line Sunday.
KUALA LUMPUR: A 53-year-old runner suffered a heart attack and collapsed just metres away from the finish line during a marathon in Putrajaya.
Siah Kim Hwatt, an active participant in marathons for the last two years, was taken to the Putrajaya Hospital for treatment yesterday and then later to the National Heart Institute.
He is said to be in a critical condition.
Siah’s running group partner Kenny Choo said he entered along with the group in the 42km category of the 3R International Marathon & Carnival, which began at about 4.30am yesterday.
Choo said Siah did not complain of any pain or discomfort so he was shocked to see his friend collapse about 15m from the finish line near the Palace of Justice at about 10.30am.
“The weather was quite hot and he was running a bit slow. I was resting at the finish line when a friend shouted that he had fallen down.
“The ambulance came and took him away and I am praying that he will pull through,” Choo said.
He said Siah was an active, talkative man, who ran marathons all over the peninsula.
The organisers of the marathon confirmed the incident, saying that a medical team gave Siah immediate treatment and sent him to the Putrajaya Hospital for medical attention after he collapsed.
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