Steve Shanks, an experienced 45-year-old runner who finished this year’s TCS London Marathon in 2:53:26, died while traveling back to his home in Bingham, Nottinghamshire on Sunday. Bingham is about 200 kilometers north of London.
“Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he traveled home on Sunday 23 April after taking part in the London Marathon,” organizers of the TCS London Marathon said in a statement released Wednesday, and extended condolences to Steve’s wife jessand their family and friends.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he traveled home on Sunday 23 April after taking part in the London Marathon.
A fundraising page has been set up in Steve’s memory here: https://t.co/8HJePAUSkf pic.twitter.com/Dh0CyxMY32
— TCS London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 26, 2023
A fundraising page in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society has been set up by friends in Shanks’s honor. The campaign surpassed its goal of just over $4,200 within 15 hours of going live.
Matthew Clappwho set up the fundraiser, writes that the Multiple Sclerosis Society was a cause “close to [Shanks’s] heart because a number of his close friends have MS.
“Steve was a keen runner and never happier than running anything, from his local Parkrun, to the Bob Graham Round. But he was more than just a runner, he was a musician, a knitter, and a renowned quizzer possessed of extensive knowledge of terrible pop music. He was a loving husband and soulmate of his wife Jess, treasured son and son-in-law, and a much loved friend. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts and memories.”
In addition to giving their financial support to the campaign, many are coming to the website to share Shanks’ condolences and memories.
“Devastated and shocked from the loss of Steve. My heart goes out to Jess & Steve’s family,” posts one user.
Another shares that he “ran/trained with Steve years ago and was one of many who supported him on his successful Bob Graham Round [a 106-km challenge linking 42 peaks in Britain’s Lake District] umpteen years ago. A great runner and lovely chap.”
Shanks was among more than 48,000 people who took part in this year’s TCS London Marathon.
