The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Woman, 48, dies after falling ill in night race
tragedy: Emergency crews unable to save participant in 10-mile Borders event
A woman has died after falling ill during a gruelling race held in darkness.
Emergency crews were called to the Mighty Deerstalker event in the Scottish Borders after the woman, 48, became unwell on Saturday. She died en route to Borders General Hospital.
The 10-mile event – billed as the UK’s biggest night race – was being held at Innerleithen in Tweeddale.
A spokesman for organisers Rat Race Adventure Sports, said: “We are extremely saddened to confirm that a participant in our Mighty Deerstalker event passed away yesterday.
“The participant became unwell at 5.56pm, approximately one mile into the event, close to our event control station and at the location of one of our safety marshals.
“A member of our medical team was on the scene within three minutes, as we implemented our response protocols. They were assisted by an off-duty paramedic until the arrival of the Scottish Ambulance Service. Tragically, we have since learned that the individual passed away en route to hospital.
“Rat Race Adventure Sports will give full assistance to the appropriate authorities. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased.”
The event, now in its 11th year, sees hundreds of participants tackle off-road terrain while wearing head torches.
A police spokesman said: “Police in the Scottish Borders responded to a report of a woman having taken unwell during a sporting event near to Traquair House, Innerleithen, at 6.15pm on Saturday March 11.
“The 48-year-old was treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service and taken to Borders General Hospital. However, she passed away while en route. Inquiries are continuing but there appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding this death and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”