Runner who died after Cardiff Half Marathon named as 35-year-old Nicholas Beckley

The runner who died after taking part in the 2019 Cardiff Half Marathon has been named as 35-year-old Nicholas Beckley.

Mr Beckley collapsed at the finish line after completing the race. He suffered a cardiac arrest and received medical attention at the scene before being taken to the University Hospital of Wales, where he died.

He had run the race twice before and was a regular runner and football player.

Mr Beckley's brother, Andrew Beckley, described him as “a true Gentleman who will be sorely missed and always loved by all."

In a tribute, he said: “Nick was born in North Devon in 1983, moving to Cardiff in 2003 to study at Cardiff University. Having gained a degree and masters in Strategic Planning and Urban Design, he joined Cardiff Council as a Town Planner and was recently appointed as a Senior Planner.

"Although extremely proud to be from Devon and a country boy at heart, Nick was hugely passionate about Cardiff and saw it as his home.

“Nick loved sport and in particular, Football and Running. He represented Appledore Football Club (Devon) and Cardiff University and was a long standing member of Cardiff Cosmopolitan FC, where he had played for more than 10 years.

"Nick ran regularly, typically around Cardiff Bay, where he lived, and he had completed the Cardiff Half Marathon twice before. He was a big fan of the event and was so pleased to see how it has grown over the last few years.

“Above all, Nick was a family man. He is the much loved son of Marilyn and Geoff, brother to Andy and Chris, boyfriend to Natalie and uncle to Leo and Isaac. Nick enjoyed travelling and both he and Natalie visited many countries together over the past few years.”

Matt Newman, the CEO of the race organiser Run 4 Wales, said he is in close contact with the family and will support them "in every way we can."

He added: “The thoughts of everyone connected with the race are with Nick’s family and friends at this difficult time. The medical team and emergency services reacted with great speed and professionalism to his collapse on the finish and he received specialist medical care within a minute of finishing."

“We will remain in close contact with the family and will continue to support them in every way we can.”

The leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “I was desperately sorry to hear the news of Nick’s death. He was one of our own; a valued friend to his colleagues, and a rising star in the Council’s Planning Department.

"He will be sorely missed in County Hall, and I know we all send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”