Staffordshire Ironman entrant dies after becoming ill
- Published
The particpant was taken ill during the swimming section of the race at Chasewater
A participant in an Ironman triathlon has died after being taken ill during the event.
Organisers of Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire said the athlete became unwell in Sunday's swim section of the race and later died in hospital.
The 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim at Chasewater was the first of the three disciplines.
Ironman England said: "We share our greatest sympathy with the family and friends of the athlete.
"We will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time."
The swim was followed by a 56-mile (90km) cycle into Stafford, finishing with a 13.1-mile (21km) run through the town centre.
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, external, Twitter, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk, external