Two die in running Beijing marathon

Doctors conduct emergency treatment on a competitor of Beijing International Marathon, October 17, 2004. (China Daily/Star News)

Two runners, including a college student and a retiree, died during competing in Sunday's Beijing international marathon, it was confirmed on Monday.

Liu Hongbin, 20, a sophomore in the Beijing Jiaotong University,and Mr. Hu, an unidentified retiree, collapsed in the course and died after rushing to nearby hospitals.

Liu collapsed 17 kilometers into the race and was sent to Haidian Hospital, where he was announced dead after failed emergency treatment.

Mr. Hu was confirmed dead Monday afternoon in north Beijing's Anzhen Hospital.

Liu Hongbin, a 20-year-old student from Beijing Jiaotong University, is announced dead after losing consciousness during the Beijing International Marathon, October 17, 2004.

Organizers declined to make any comments.

It was also reported that another 11 runners had been sent to hospitals for emergency treatment and a woman from Beijing University was still in serious condition in Haidian Hospital after collapsing midway through the race.

Another 400 competitors had their ligaments injured.

Organizers said that about 25,000 people took part in Sunday's race.

Amateur participants complained that no drinking water was available along the course after 25 kilometers.