Minneapolis residents were left shocked this past weekend when a 27-year-old runner died suddenly during a marathon. 

According to CBS News, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office revealed the man's identity to be Blake Joseph Groulx, although his cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Taken to hospital after collapsing

The Minneapolis Park Police Department explained that Groulx was observed collapsing along Bde Maka Ska Parkway as he participated in the City of Lakes Half Marathon on Sunday.

A 27-year-old man has died after collapsing during Sunday's City of Lakes Half Marathon in Minneapolis, according to police and race officials. https://t.co/nHH4rXtgJC

— WCCO | CBS News Minnesota (@WCCO) September 9, 2024

Although first responders attempted to render assistance, Groulx was later pronounced dead after being transported to Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

The City of Lakes Half Marathon is organized by a group called Run Minnesota, and it put out a statement on social media concerning Groulx's death.

"Our hearts go out to the runner's family"

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of a participant following the 2024 City of Lakes Half Marathon," the statement began.

"On a day meant to be a celebration, a family lost a loved one. Our hearts go out to the runner's family and all those who were close to them," it continued.

"Run Minnesota and the City of Lakes Half want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the participants on the course who came to the aid of a fellow runner and the first responders and medical professionals who provided medical care," it stressed.

The statement went on to conclude by saying that Run Minnesota and the City of Lakes Half "also send our care to the running community as we grieve this loss together."

Observer "struck by the kindness of fellow runners "

Summit Orthopedics was one of the event's sponsors, and it also lamented Groulz's untimely death, stating, "All our hearts at Summit go out to family and friends affected during this tragedy."

"Also, to the running community; we send our thoughts and prayers to those grieving a loss in the community today," the business went on to declare.

A participant in Sunday's race spoke up as well, writing, "I came up on the ambulance and first responders and to be honest didn't look good and the final 2 miles my focus was more on hoping the best for him and not so much on me and my finish."

Meanwhile, one person said she "was struck by the kindness of fellow runners who immediately came to his side to help."