A female runner has died after she collapsed just yards from the finish line of the Cork City Marathon.

The woman, reported to be in her 20s or early 30s, was given emergency treatment by medics towards the end of the half marathonevent today, and was rushed to hospitalby ambulance.Cork City Councillater confirmed that the woman had been pronounced dead, and her immediate family is understood to have been informed. The Irish Health and Safety Executive is expected to issue a full statement on the incident this evening. A spokesperson from the local council said: "Cork City Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the Cork City Marathon has tragically passed away.

"The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased."

In a statement to national media, the organisers of the Cork City Marathon said: “Cork City Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a participant in the Cork City Marathon has tragically passed away.

"The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.”

The Cork City Marathon is one of the largest events of its type in the Republic of Ireland.

More than 11,000 runners took part this year, participating in either the full marathon, half marathon or 10km event.

The men's marathon was won by Chris Jeuken, who completed it in two hours and 18 minutes.

Evelyn Twomey came first in the women's marathon with a time of two hours and 54 minutes.

In the half marathon, the men's event winner was Jake O' Regan, who clocked in at one hour and six minutes, and Niamh Allen in the women's event, who recorded a time of one hour and ten minutes.

Irish athlete Fearghal Curtin won the men’s 10k with a time of 29:46, and Hannah Steeds came first in the women's event with 34:51.

Race Director Eamon Hayes said after the event: "On behalf of the entire Cork City Marathon team and Cork City Council, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year's event such a resounding success.

"To the thousands of runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair users who took to the streets of Cork City – thank you.

"Whether you were chasing a personal best, running for a special cause or challenging yourself to cross the finish line, your determination and spirit were truly inspiring."