By Erin Allday
San Francisco Chronicle
SAN JOSE - Two runners, both in their 30s, died Sunday while racing the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in San Jose.
Race organizers were not releasing their names, but the Santa Clara County coroner identified the runners as Brandon Whitehurst, 35, of Antioch, and Rose Lo, 34, of South San Francisco.
The coroner’s office has not yet determined how they died.
Both participants collapsed near the end of the 13.1-mile race. Medical workers treated them on the course before they were taken to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead, according to race organizers.
“Medical personnel were immediately on the scene and attempted to revive them, but were unsuccessful in their efforts,” Dr. Lewis Maharam, medical director for the race, said in a statement. “These are unfortunate and tragic losses. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to their families and friends.”
The deaths were the first since the half marathon was started in San Jose four years ago, said race spokesman Dan Cruz.
About 10,000 people participated in the race, and the weather was mild. Cruz said one other runner, a 23-year-old man, complained of chest pain and was treated by medical personnel.
Deaths in marathons are uncommon - some studies have estimated roughly 1 death per 50,000 runners - and they’re even more unusual in half marathons. Most deaths are the result of previously undiagnosed heart conditions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. E-mail Erin Allday at eallday@sfchronicle.com.