FIT AND HEALTHY RUNNER, 24, DIES SUDDENLY DURING HALF MARATHON — HIS FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART
FIT AND HEALTHY RUNNER, 24, DIES SUDDENLY DURING HALF MARATHON — HIS FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART
He was just 24, full of life, and preparing for another running challenge alongside the woman he loved. But around 12 miles into the Cardiff Half Marathon, Ross Williams-Griffiths suddenly collapsed. Despite urgent medical attention, his life could not be saved. Now, his grieving family are sharing his story in the hope that it may help save someone else.
A family has been left devastated after 24-year-old Ross Williams-Griffiths died after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest during the Cardiff Half Marathon in Wales on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Ross, from Bargoed in Caerphilly, had been running alongside his girlfriend, Katie Bowen, in the 13.1-mile race. The couple were taking part together to raise money for Tenovus Cancer Care, a Welsh charity close to their hearts.
Known affectionately as “Team Griff-Bow”, they had spent months preparing for the challenge. But what should have been a memorable day of determination and achievement ended in unimaginable tragedy.
HE WAS JUST MILES FROM THE FINISH LINE
Ross reportedly collapsed around 12 miles into the race, just over a mile from the finish.
He suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and received urgent medical attention from event and hospital medical teams. Despite their efforts, he died.
The news has left his family, girlfriend, friends and fellow runners heartbroken.
Ross was described by those who loved him as an active, fit and healthy young man who loved sport and embraced life with enthusiasm. His death has also prompted his family to speak publicly about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of raising awareness.
They stressed that the exact cause of his death had not yet been established.
“HE BROUGHT LAUGHTER, LOYALTY AND WARMTH WHEREVER HE WENT”
In a moving tribute released through race organisers Run 4 Wales, Ross’s family remembered him as a kind, caring and generous young man who made people feel welcome wherever he went.
They said:
“Ross was a young, fit and healthy man who loved running and being part of the community that surrounded it.
“He was kind, caring and full of life, and brought laughter, loyalty and warmth wherever he went.”
The family added that the support they had received since losing him had been overwhelming, and they were deeply grateful for the kindness shown to them during such a painful time.
Ross was also remembered as a hardworking person with a bright future ahead of him. He had built a promising career with GE Aerospace and earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
To those who knew him, he was far more than a runner. He was a beloved son, partner, brother and friend whose presence brought happiness to the people around him.
A LIFE FILLED WITH SPORT, ADVENTURE AND DREAMS
Running was only one of Ross’s many passions.
He loved football and was a keen goalkeeper. He also enjoyed golf, snowboarding, bodyboarding, travelling, camping and attending festivals with family and friends.
His family said he approached everything with enthusiasm and determination, whether competing in sport or preparing for his next running challenge.
More recently, Ross had started attending running-club sessions with his brother, Rhys, and Rhys’s fiancée, Jayde.
His running club, South Wales Striders, also paid tribute to him, remembering him as someone who always had a smile on his face and genuinely loved being part of the running community.
For his loved ones, the loss is especially painful because Ross had so much still to experience, so many plans to make and so many memories yet to create.
🙏 HIS FAMILY HOPES HIS DEATH CAN HELP SAVE OTHERS
Even as they grieve, Ross’s family have chosen to share their story for a reason: they hope it will raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest.
In their statement, they said:
“While we are yet to learn the exact cause of Ross’ death, we hope that sharing his story may raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest.
“If raising awareness in Ross’ memory helps even one family avoid the heartbreak we are experiencing, then that will be part of his lasting legacy.”
Their message is not only a tribute to the young man they have lost. It is also a plea for greater awareness, so that other families might be spared similar heartbreak.
Fundraising appeals have been established in Ross’s memory, including one supporting cardiac screening and another benefiting the bereavement charity 2wish.
A FINISH LINE HE NEVER REACHED
The Cardiff Half Marathon was supposed to be another challenge for Ross — an opportunity to run beside Katie, support a cause they cared about and share the experience with the wider running community.
Instead, his family are now facing a future without someone they described as kind, generous, hardworking and full of life.
His story is a painful reminder that behind every race number is a real person, with people who love them and dreams they hope to fulfil.
Ross may not have reached the finish line that day, but his family hope that the awareness raised in his memory will leave a lasting legacy.
Rest in peace, Ross Williams-Griffiths. May your family, Katie and everyone who loved you find strength and comfort in the memories you left behind.
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