Runner Júlio Barreto, 50, died after finishing the SP City Marathon in São Paulo on Sunday (26). He reported arm pain, suffered a sudden illness and lost consciousness on the way to an ambulance.
Barreto completed the race, which included distances of 21.1 km and 42.2 km. The event organization said he received resuscitation on site and was taken to hospital but did not survive.
Experts consulted by Folha explained that such sudden deaths are rare and can occur in apparently healthy people due to undiagnosed cardiovascular diseases. Cardiologist Thaís Pinheiro Lima said intense effort, dehydration and hormone increases during the run can trigger heart problems.
Sports doctor João Branco stressed the importance of prior medical evaluations, including family history and electrocardiogram, to identify risks. The SP City Marathon posted a note of regret on social media about the case.
