A London Marathon runner tragically died on his way home after completing the race.

Steve Shanks, 45, finished the race on Sunday in 2 hours, 53 minutes and 26 seconds before being taken ill and passing away as he travelled home.

Event organisers issued a statement sending condolences to his family and friends.

A statement from organisers read: ‘Everyone at London Marathon Events was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Steve Shanks as he travelled home on Sunday 23 April after taking part in the London Marathon.

‘Steve, who was 45 and lived in Bingham, Nottingham, was a very experienced runner who had completed many marathons and finished on Sunday in 2:53:26.

His wife, Jessica, shared her ‘great sadness’ in a post on Facebook.

She wrote: ‘It’s with great sadness, that I wish to announce the loss of my wonderful husband, Stephen Shanks.

‘His passing was sudden & out of the blue. He was returning home having spent the day participating in the London Marathon. As you can imagine I’m absolutely in shock & devastated.’