KEY POINTS:
Veteran Christchurch runner William Roland Wells died from heart failure after running 30km of his 21st Buller Marathon this year, Westport coroner Peter Roselli ruled today.
A former carpet and vinyl quantifier, Mr Wells died in Buller Hospital on February 10. It was his 63rd birthday.
Dr Roger Williams told the inquest Mr Wells was admitted in severe shock and with high blood pressure. The Solid Energy rescue helicopter was called to transfer him to Grey Hospital, but he died before it arrived.
Mr Wells had had a heart by-pass in 1999 and had what appeared to be a mild heart attack last November.
Mr Wells' widow Dianne told the Westport News in February Mr Wells had seen his doctor the week before the marathon and was advised not to run.
His family had a history of heart disease - his father, mother and brother had had heart problems.
- NZPA
