A finance worker who collapsed and died during his first half marathon had a body temperature over 40C, an inquest has heard.
Kory Russell, 25, died from a cardiac arrest caused by heat exhaustion after running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London in October.
An inquest at Inner West London Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Russell, from Sully, south Wales, had never taken part in such a long race before.
He had completed races over shorter distances and was described as "meticulous" in his preparation for the event, and he had no previous history of heart problems.
His father, Matt Russell, told the inquest that his son, the eldest of four children, had been proud to take a job in London's financial district, working as a financial officer at State Street Investment Management after earning a first-class degree in economics and finance from Loughborough University.
Paramedics tried to treat the 25-year-old at the finish line, performing CPR on him in a medical tent at the end of the race, Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin heard.
They continued CPR in the ambulance as Mr Russell was taken to hospital, but his core temperature remained over 40C despite cooling techniques being used to reduce the impact of the heat exhaustion.
Despite all efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead by doctors at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington at 11.55am.
More than 20 staff delivered the treatment for over 40 minutes - double the 20-minute national guidelines of CPR.
Mrs Harkin said: “This time was extremely long and shows you just how committed the health services were.”
Post-mortem tests later confirmed that there was no ethanol or alcohol in his blood or urine.
Since her son's death, Kory’s mother Rhi Russell has become vice president of Calon Hearts UK, a cardiac screening charity.
Mr Russell told Metro: “Kory was the kindest, most loving and hard-working person you could ever meet.
“He gave everything his all, whether it was work, sport, family or friendships. He had such a big heart and a personality that would light up any room.
“We are all heartbroken. He will be forever missed and remembered with endless love.”
At the time of Mr Russell's death, a Royal Parks Half Marathon spokesperson said: "Everyone involved in the organisation of the Royal Parks Half Marathon would like to express sincere condolences to Kory's family and friends."
