Indianapolis Monumental Marathon shares statement on deaths of two runners

A press release from the organizers of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon says two runners died after suffering separate medical emergencies near the finish line of Saturday’s race.

In a statement posted online, race officials confirmed the runners experienced “separate, unrelated medical emergencies” during the 42.2-kilometre race and were transported to local hospitals, where both were later pronounced dead.

The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the men as Kyle Fisher, 40, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and John Clifford Mace, 71, of Fillmore, Ind.

Race organizers said participant safety remains their top priority and thanked those who responded quickly to the incidents.

“Our on-site medical team and local first responders provided immediate, co-ordinated care,” the statement read. “We are profoundly grateful to the medical professionals and emergency personnel who responded with such care and professionalism.”

Fisher was a theatre producer. Outside the arts, he was an avid runner with a marathon personal best of 3:38:50, set at the 2024 Columbus Marathon.

This year’s Indianapolis Monumental Marathon drew a record-breaking 17,500 participants, representing all 50 U.S. states and 22 countries. Runners filled the streets of downtown Indianapolis for the event’s 18th annual edition, which also included a half-marathon and 5K.

Conditions were considered ideal for marathon running, with temperatures between 8 and 10 C and a light breeze.

The marathon concluded with Joseph Whelan of Hamburg, N.Y., breaking the course record in 2:12:29. In the women’s field, Amanda Mosborg of Bloomington, Minn., took the win in 2:32:01.