THE runner who died after taking part in Sunday's Cardiff Half Marathon has been named as 35-year-old Nicholas Beckley.

Mr Beckley, from Cardiff, collapsed at the finish line after suffering a cardiac arrest.

His brother Andrew described him as “a true gentleman who will be sorely missed and always loved by all”.

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Mr Beckley was born in North Devon in 1983 and moved to Wales in 2003 to study planning and urban design at Cardiff University.

He joined Cardiff City Council as a town planner, and was recently promoted to senior planner.

His brother said: “Nick loved sport and in particular, Football and Running. He represented Appledore Football Club (Devon) and Cardiff University and was a long standing member of Cardiff Cosmopolitan FC, where he had played for more than 10 years.

"Nick ran regularly, typically around Cardiff Bay, where he lived, and he had completed the Cardiff Half Marathon twice before. He was a big fan of the event and was so pleased to see how it has grown over the last few years.

“Above all, Nick was a family man. He is the much loved son of Marilyn and Geoff, brother to Andy and Chris, boyfriend to Natalie and uncle to Leo and Isaac. Nick enjoyed travelling and both he and Natalie visited many countries together over the past few years.”

Matt Newman, CEO of race organisers Run 4 Wales, said: “The thoughts of everyone connected with the race are with Nick’s family and friends at this difficult time.

"The medical team and emergency services reacted with great speed and professionalism to his collapse on the finish and he received specialist medical care within a minute of finishing.

“We will remain in close contact with the family and will continue to support them in every way we can.”

Mr Beckley’s family is raising money in his memory for Mind – The Mental Health Charity.

To donate, visit the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicholas-beckley