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A man has died after experiencing a medical emergency while running the Brooklyn Half Marathon this weekend, race officials said.
The New York Road Runners (NYRR), which organized the 13.1-mile race, confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that a 31-year-old man collapsed during the race on Saturday, May 17.
The runner — who was participating in the race for the first time — made it about eight miles into the course when he “experienced a medical incident,” officials confirmed. NBC New York reported that the incident took place along the borough’s Ocean Parkway.
“It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants,” NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer said in a statement. “On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”
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Race officials added that CPR was administered on-site, and the man was taken to Brooklyn’s Maimonides Hospital.
“Out of respect for the family, we defer to them for any additional details,” NYRR officials added.
“Runner safety is a major priority,” the organization’s statement continued. “As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety — for both the running community and the broader public — we took proactive steps to strengthen on-course support and emergency readiness.”
New York City weather saw a high of 83 degrees on Saturday, up from 72 degrees on Friday.
“In anticipation of the forecasted heat, we provided several additional resources, including supplemental hydration at the hydration stations throughout the course and the addition of misting stations,” the NYRR noted.
More than 28,000 runners were expected to run the 13-mile race on Saturday morning, the organization said.
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NBC New York previously reported that three years prior, a 30-year-old man identified as David Reichman died during the same Brooklyn Half Marathon.
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According to the outlet, Reichman had just crossed the finish line at the Coney Island boardwalk when he experienced cardiac arrest.
PEOPLE reached out to the New York City Fire Department for comment on Saturday, but did not receive an immediate response.
