The wife of a London Marathon runner who died on his way home after completing the race has spoken of her shock and devastation.
Keen runner and musician Steve Shanks, 45, died “suddenly and out of the blue” as he travelled home to Nottingham after completing Sunday’s race in 2hours 53 minutes.
He was pictured smiling at the pub with a finishers medal just hours before his collapse.
A statement from London Marathon read: “Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he travelled home on Sunday 23 April after taking part in the London Marathon.
“Steve, who was 45 and lived in Bingham, Nottingham, was a very experienced runner who had completed many marathons and finished on Sunday in 2:53:26.
“All involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express sincere condolences to Steve’s wife Jess, his family and friends.
“A fundraising page for the Multiple Sclerosis Society has been set up in Steve’s memory.
“The cause of death will be established later through medical examination. The family has asked for privacy and no further details will be released in accordance with their wishes.”
His wife, Jessica, said his death was sudden in a tragic post on Facebook. She wrote: “It’s with great sadness, that I wish to announce the loss of my wonderful husband, Stephen Shanks.
“His passing was sudden & 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 & devastated.”
A fundraiser in his honour shared a further tribute to Shanks.
It read: “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.”
