A fit young woman collapsed just after ending the women's mini-marathon in June and died a short time later at St James's Hospital, an inquest heard yesterday.
Ms Ashling O'Rourke (24) of Butterstream, Clane, Co Kildare, had completed her third 10 km race when she collapsed on June 13th. She was not under any pressure during the run which she completed with two friends.
A post-mortem examination showed she died due to heat stroke and Prof J. Hourihane said this was brought on by prolonged exercise in a person dehydrated by the activities of the previous night.
Dublin City Coroner's Court was told Ms O'Rourke had some wine in her home the night before the race. She was then at a birthday party where she drank vodka and Red Bull, before going to a night club and then to the home of the person celebrating. She got to bed about 5 a.m. and was up again at 11.30 a.m.
Ms Sandra Gill said when Ms O'Rourke called to her home to collect her for the run she complained of a headache and took two paracetamol tablets. Otherwise she was well. She drank water along the route, but just after the run she said she felt unwell and collapsed.
The coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.