Hundreds of long-distance runners lined up this past weekend in order to take part in the cross-border 2024 Detroit Free Press Marathon.

However, the normally festive competition took a truly shocking turn when one athlete, a 57-year-old man, suddenly dropped dead.

Race organizers express condolences to deceased man's family

According to Breitbart, that tragedy occurred on Sunday morning when a 57-year-old man collapsed close to the five-mile mark.

Race official Aaron Velthoven explained that the man fell after crossing the international border into Canada and was subsequently transported to Windsor Regional Hospital, Ouellette Campus.

"Our condolences — we're saddened, our hearts go out to them, they really do," Velthoven was quoted as saying of the man's family. "It's a tough thing. It’s a tough thing for everyone to hear that call through the radio."

"I wanna just thank the medical staff, the volunteers along the course. They are there for these types of situations, these medical emergencies," the official went on to add.

A total of four other runner have passed away since marathon first began in 1987

The Detroit Free Press noted that the man's identity has to be made public. His death represents the marathon's fifth fatality since it first began in 1978.

Three men aged 26, 36 and 65 passed away in 2009, with subsequent autopsies showing that the 26-year-old and 36-year-old both suffered from cardiac dysrhythmia while the 65-year-old had heart disease.

The first death happened three decades ago when a 42-year-old man from Troy, Michigan suffered a heart attack while attempting to complete the 26.2-mile run.

Henry Ford Health was named as the medical provider for this year's marathon, and it reported a total of eight medical transports on Sunday, including one for the deceased man.

The other seven transports were for individuals who were experiencing such issues as low blood pressure, dehydration and exhaustion.

Michigan husband and wife make history by winning men's and women's races

Meanwhile, this past weekend's race was also notable as it was the first time a husband and wife were both declared winners.

This is incredible! ❤️ The husband-and-wife duo of Andy Bowman and Sydney Devore, both of Ferndale, won the men's and women's races in the 47th @FreepMarathon presented by @msufcu, making history as they embrace at the finish line.

(📹 by @RappleyeLiam) pic.twitter.com/5021wlc7te

— Detroit Free Press (@freep) October 20, 2024

Ferndale, Michigan residents Andy Bowman and Sydney Devore each finished first place in the men's and women's divisions, respectively.