KEY POINTS:
A Christchurch runner with a heart condition collapsed during the 25th anniversary Buller Gorge Marathon and died soon after in hospital.
William (Bill) Wells, 63, was competing in his 21st Buller marathon.
Race director Dennis Straker said he spotted Mr Wells in trouble on the biggest hill and insisted on driving him to Westport.
However, Mr Wells lost consciousness as they reached the nearest ambulance, 2km away.
