Great Eastern Run competitor dies in the Peterborough event

Paul McCann was nearing the finish of the Perkins Great Eastern Run when he collapsed and died

A man died while taking part in an annual city-centre half marathon, the organisers of the event have confirmed.

Paul McCann was about half a mile (800m) from the finish of the Perkins Great Eastern Run in Peterborough on Sunday when he collapsed.

Tributes have been paid to the father of two on social media.

On a fundraising page, set up in his memory, his wife Hayley Thurlow described him as an "amazing, caring and popular man".

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The East of England Ambulance Service said paramedics were called to a pathway off Frank Perkins Parkway just before 12:20 BST on Sunday.

It said they believed Mr McCann was in his 30s.

Mr McCann's wife has described him as an "amazing, caring and popular" man on a fundraising page set up to raise funds for his family

Peterborough City Council, organisers of the annual half marathon, said it was "saddened by the news".

A spokesman added: "We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at what must be an incredibly difficult time."

Local football clubs, including Riverside FC, where he had previously been the lead coach, have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the trainee train driver.

Club secretary Kuljit Senth said: "He will be sadly missed by all at Riverside. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family especially his lovely children."

A crowdfunding page set up by his colleagues has so far raised £2,515 for his family.