A man has died after collapsing during the Great Bristol Run half marathon in the city.
The 28-year-old runner collapsed during the half marathon on Sunday and received medical attention.
Jon Devereux was then taken to hospital where he later died. His next of kin have been informed.
Mr Devereux’s cause of death has not been confirmed, although a rugby club for whom he played paid tribute and suggested he suffered a heart attack.
A statement from The Great Run Company said: ‘It is with great sadness that The Great Run Company confirms the death of a participant at the Great Bristol Run on Sunday, 11 May 2025.
‘Jon Devereux, aged 28, collapsed during the event, received immediate medical treatment, and later passed away in hospital.
‘His next of kin have been informed.
‘The entire team involved in organising the Great Bristol Run extends their heartfelt condolences to Mr Devereux’s family and friends.
Tributes have been paid to 28-year-old rugby player and runner Jon Devereux after his death
More than 20,000 runners took part in the Great Bristol Run on Sunday – organisers have paid tribute to a 28-year-old man who collapsed during it and later died in hospital
‘In accordance with the wishes of the family, no further details will be released. The cause of death will be determined later, pending medical examination.’
Thousands of runners took to the city’s streets for the half marathon and 10k events yesterday.
Tributes have been shared by rugby club Chester RUFC, for whom Mr Devereux played, as they said in a post on Facebook: ‘Jon was a talented athlete who played senior rugby for Chester, and his energy, spirit, and sportsmanship left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
‘His sudden loss has deeply affected our members and the wider sporting community.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jon’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time. He will be dearly missed.’
Another of his former clubs Tynedale RFC, based in Northumberland, also shared a statement online, posting: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of former player Jon Devereux.
‘Jon suffered a heart attack while taking part in yesterday’s Bristol Half Marathon.
‘Jon had an infectious character which came to the fore when he joined the Tynedale touring party to Canada last year.
Tributes to Jon Devereux have been shared on social media following Sunday’s tragedy
‘He was a regular participant in our annual 7’s competition. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Our condolences go out to all his family and friends. Rest in peace Jon.’
A spokesperson for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity said: ‘Whilst providing emergency medical cover at the Great Bristol Run on Sunday 11 May, our critical care crew were called to provide immediate assistance to a patient who sadly collapsed at the event.
‘A Critical Care Doctor and Specialist Paramedic treated the patient at the scene, before travelling with them to hospital.
‘We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends and we would like to thank the two off-duty nurses and ambulance technician who assisted in the early moments.’
